What does Red represent to his/her neighborhood in the novel, Wishtree?

Red’s role as the wishtree represents neighborhood unity and hope. Red is the heart of the community, with their deepest desires literally attached to its branches. Red also demonstrates the continuity of the neighborhood, welcoming each new generation and each new wave of immigrants and offering all of them a chance to participate in the local traditions. Because Red is not only a real tree but an important neighborhood symbol, the “LEAVE” carving is deeply damaging to the whole community, not just to Samar’s family.