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Critical Juncture
Menlo Park, California is proudly recognized as a Tree
City USA; the majority of streets are lined with mature
trees, including native oaks and majestic evergreens. In
addition to being responsible for approximately 20,000
trees growing along the City streets, City Arborist
Christian Bonner also oversees the maintenance of
trees in twelve City parks.
In September 2014, City staff was notified of a hazard-
ous, leaning pine tree in Fremont Park, which is located
in a central area of downtown Menlo Park. Fremont
Park provides a popular green space for families, kids,
shoppers, and merchants throughout the day as well as
many different community events held there at night.
One of the Park's largest (50 foot/15 m) and most
unique trees, an Italian stone pine (Pinus pinea), was
growing with a corrected lean over a walkway, drinking
fountain, and picnic area.
An inspection of the pine tree showed an increase in
the lean of the trunk. In addition, soil displacement
around the root plate was visible as was shear cracking
of a large buttress root opposite the lean. The area was
closed to the public with caution tape and the City tree
crew was dispatched to remove and reduce those large
lateral limbs with heavy end weight over the lean.
Throughout the day, the condition of the tree was mon-
itored and recorded. The dangerous lean continued to
increase at a rate of approximately 1 inch/2.5 cm per
hour. According to Bonner, "We were essentially watch-
ing the tree fall over in slow motion." As the tree contin-
ued to fall, it was determined to be an imminent hazard
requiring immediate removal.
(left) Protestor chained to the beloved-but-failing Fremont Park
Italian stone pine tree in Menlo Park, CA.
(below) Crews lowering the unique limbs of the Italian stone pine
to the ground.
