City’s Urban Forestry Advisory Committee Will Hear Presentation on Future of McDonald Park Oak Tree

The City’s Urban Forestry Advisory Committee will hear a presentation on the assessment of a 60-year-old oak tree that local residents protested to save.

A copy of the presentation was not included in Wednesday’s agenda. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at 233 W Mountain St., Pasadena.

According to a City Council member, arborists have studied the tree and said it is healthy.

“This tree will not only be an asset to this park and this neighborhood,” said District 2 Councilmember Rick Cole, who represents the area where the tree is located. “This tree will stand as a historic monument to a new era of taking care of our trees in Pasadena.”

In December, after placing barricades around the nearly 60-year-old tree, the City said the tree had become an imminent safety threat to residents and visitors due to instability in its roots and large branches.

The barriers went up just one day after residents rallied in support of the oak tree. The barriers have since been removed.

Supporters, who erroneously claimed the tree to be more than 100 years old, draped a sign on the tree that reads, “I gave over a century of shade. What will you do to protect me?”

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.

On March 1, local residents held an event near the tree to celebrate the City’s Urban Forest.

“We aim to raise awareness for the plight of our urban forest, one of our best assets in a changing climate,” said Jessica Richards last month.

According to Cole, the City has long overwatered that area of the park, which led to the tree’s growth and leaning. Cole said the City considered removing the tree late last year, but several arborists, including one hired by the City, concluded the tree was healthy.