City Places Barricades Around Ailing Oak Tree

One day after local residents rallied to save an ailing oak tree the City installed barricades around the tree in McDonald Park.

According to a statement released by the City, the nearly sixty-year-old tree has become an imminent safety threat to residents and visitors due to instability in its roots and large branches.

The City is asking for the public’s cooperation in remaining outside of the barricaded area and to not remove or move these barricades, as they are there for the safety of all.

According to KTLA, on Sunday came out in support of the ailing oak tree which is located in Bungalow Heaven.

Supporters draped a sign on the tree that reads, “I gave over a century of shade. What will you do to protect me?”

Some reports erroneously claimed the tree is over 100 years old.

The City’s long-time Arborists inspected the tree after the City received a resident’s complaint regarding its safety.

The City is also seeking a third-party independent assessment of the condition of the tree prior to taking any further action.

No date has been set to remove the tree.

The City’s Municipal Code establishes strict processes and guidelines to help protect the City’s forest and ensures that trees are not removed without justified reasons and only as last resort when considering public safety.

“The City values its urban forest of over 60,000 trees, annually receiving a Tree City USA designation since 1988. The City’s primary focus is to sustain a safe, healthy forest for members of the community to enjoy,” according to the statement. “The City of Pasadena prides itself on being a compassionate caregiver of trees that enhance the City’s beauty, provide environmental benefits, and enhance public health, and will continue to take utmost care of our trees while protecting the safety of the public.”