This is an odd pastime you've latched onto. No it's not of the norm I expect. Of course you're going to cause people to stare weirdly when you converse with trees. You're not the first person to do this by all means. The Pre-Christian Druids believed that gods and other spirits inhabited all living things including trees. When the Druids said a prayer they would tap on the tree so the spirit would listen to them closly. That's where we get the saying 'knock on wood'. Later the Christians would say 'touch wood' when touching a crucifix for protection.
Gee, if this really helps you, go ahead and chat away. Most people don't talk to trees. I don't want to discourage you but make sure you're low-key about it. Some people just can't deal with something like this and you don't want to be subject to their insensitive insults and rants. Some people will say behind your back that you're nuts. I have never talked to trees but I do talk to animals. Talking to animals is pretty common. There are other people out there that talk to trees I'm sure of it. I wonder if your religious beliefs are a factor in this new practice. Do you know and Wiccans or Pagans? They would understand. Just whisper to those trees and play it cool, O.K. hon'?

I found this story for you to read. Turn down the sound, the music is crap.
http://www.controverscial.com/I%20Talk%20to%20the%20Trees.htm

There was a person whom wrote a book called "The Giving Tree". Please don't hurt the tree you talk to.

Shel Silverstein. I may have misspelled that. The Giving Tree was actually outlawed in some cities for public availibility because the tree was seen as a woman and it therefore stereotyped women as always giving in a relationship without getting anything in return.

I think it would be wiser to get some houseplants and talk to them in the privacy of your home.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A142345

I think it's sweet that u talk to tree's to make them less lonely, to tell the truth my freind Autumn and I once had a club called the tree huggers and we would go to different parks across Ohio and talk to the tree's! so it's not at all abnormal! Anwaysz what is normal?

expressing your feelings is healthy thing to do. Even if it is to a tree, it gets everything out of you that was building up. Talking to a tree is a good idea if you dont feel you can talk to someone else. plus a tree will always listen and not make fun or have an opinion.

I'm not sure it's normal but I don't see any harm in it, either.

And I don't see it's much different to talking to a pet or your favourite stuffed animal, which I think many people do, whether they care to admit it or not.

I think many have had feelings like this, used to have a favourite tree myself about 15 years ago.It was also in a park, was a very large and tall Europeon beech, I was going through a pretty lonely spell then, but was a bit more descreet than you though, I would find some comfort in just leaning my back against this tree and talking to it in my head. At that time there were great gales, though I did not stand under any trees when there was one, but I would go and see my friend and comfort her that it'll be OK and that she could have some of my strength to cope when it's stormy. If you're a little perceptive, you can feel that the tree is indeed a living thing and it's not the same as leaning against a wall. I was saddened when one day years later I found she'd been cut down, and found that this was because a small branch had fallen off. Sadly a tree surgeon will prefer to remove the whole tree than just cut off dead wood, as cutting off small bits makes him less money. also the insurance companies have been the death of many healthy trees.
Well look after your friend, but try be more descreet though.