Life Tree said to inspire Dr. Seuss’ ‘The Lorax’ dies. Who will speak for the trees? June 17, 2019 Sonja Haller, USA TODAY Comments Off on Tree said to inspire Dr. Seuss’ ‘The Lorax’ dies. Who will speak for the trees? Ted Geisel, better known as Dr. Suess, was inspired to create 'The Lorax' while looking at the Monterey Cypress tree from his California home.