Pasadena area residents came out Sunday to help a diseased oak tree estimated to be about 200 years old.
This tree on the east side of Macdonald Park in the Bungalow Haven neighborhood reads: “I’ve been giving me shade for over a century, what are you going to do to protect me?”
“This community is unique in Southern California because of its greenery and trees,” Pasadena resident Jessica Richards, one of the residents who started the Save the Trees campaign, told KTLA. “If we continue to lose those trees one by one through neglect, lack of creative thinking, or preservation, that’s a loss for our city.”
But city officials noted that the large oak tree was falling down due to disease, leaning and straining its already heavy branches.
“Safety is our top priority,” city spokeswoman Lisa Dederian said. “People hold meditation classes under the tree, and picnickers sit under this tree.”
Residents gather around a 200-year-old oak tree in McDonald Park. Trees may need to be cut down on December 1, 2024 due to disease. (KTLA) Residents gather around a historic 200-year-old oak tree in McDonald’s. Parks that may need to close due to illness on December 1, 2024. (KTLA)
Ms Richards acknowledged the tree was diseased, but said she was concerned that a precedent for its removal would be set for other mature trees in the area.
“I think the big tree outside the Monrovia City Library is a great example of the city embracing the idea of preservation,” she explained. “This reduces public safety risks while supporting the growth of historic trees.”
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In Pasadena, city leaders like Dederian and incoming City Councilman Rick Cole are listening to residents.
Dederian said the city would respond if the tree needed to be removed immediately, but a third-party arborist will be inspecting the tree this week to determine if the oak is truly on its way out. He said he plans to confirm.
“Cities are so financially strapped that sometimes they take shortcuts,” Cole added. “This is a special tree and this is a special park, so I’m glad the city is stepping back.”
As of now, no date has been set for the tree’s removal.
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