The Bosko cartoons may not be animation masterpieces, but they are fascinating as examples of Looney Tunes in their early days before the creation of more compelling characters and funnier and more creative cartoons.
Generally, from personal opinion, 'The Tree's Knees' is one of the weaker Bosko cartoons. As ever with a Bosko cartoon, the story is slight, would actually agree that it's even more slight and more samey than usual and the slightest parts are thin as ice. There are some inventive gags here, but they don't come consistently and others are forgettable and tired in timing. Some are very crude and predictable as well.
Another issue is Bosko himself, not an interesting character and not a particularly endearing one either. The supporting characters are not too memorable, and their material is too inconsistent to make more of an impression. The pacing is rather pedestrian, and the cartoon in its slightest moments is pretty dull.
On the plus side, the animation is not bad at all. Not exactly refined but fluid and crisp enough with some nice detail, it is especially good in the meticulous backgrounds and some remarkably flexible yet natural movements for Bosko.
The music doesn't disappoint either, its infectious energy, rousing merriment, lush orchestration and how well it fits with the animation is just a joy.
In conclusion, one of the weaker and more forgettable Bosko cartoons. 4/10 Bethany Cox