We introduce a new family of higher-rank graphs, whose construction was inspired by the graphical techniques of Lambek \cite{Lambek} and Johnstone \cite{Johnstone} used for monoid and category emedding results. We show that they are planar $k$-trees for $2 \le k \le 4$. We also show that higher-rank trees differ from $1$-trees by giving examples of higher-rank trees having properties which are impossible for $1$-trees. Finally, we collect more examples of higher-rank planar trees which are not in our family.