Historic Coast Live Oak Removed from Arlington Garden in Pasadena Amidst Health Concerns

A historic coast live oak, locally known as Quercus agrifolia, in Arlington Garden was removed in May after it was determined that the tree could not recover from a combination of drought stress, insect damage, and a fatal fungus infestation, according to Michelle Matthews, Executive Director of the Garden.

Arlington Garden is a 3-acre botanical garden located in West Pasadena located along South Pasadena Venue at Arlington Drive. It is Pasadena’s only dedicated free public garden.

Matthews said in an email that the oak’s health issues were first noticed in February during a visit to the Garden by Mike Evans of Tree of Life Nursery. The garden staff, in response, reached out to numerous local experts, including arborists, and an entomologist, and had soil testing done by Waypoint Analytical.

The tree was eventually diagnosed with Phytophthora cinnamomi, a damaging fungus, as determined by plant pathologist Paul Santos. The tree’s overall health was already compromised due to drought stress and damage caused by various boring insects.

The decision to remove the oak was not taken lightly, Matthews said.

The city’s permission was necessary as the coast live oak is a protected species in Pasadena. The removal operation was carried out by TreeCareLA on May 16.

Post-removal, the smaller branches were mulched while the larger branches were kept intact, Matthews said. 

Staff and volunteers wrapped these larger branches in plastic to kill any remaining borers. Angel City Lumber removed the trunk and plans to collaborate with the garden to transform it into a ceremonial gathering table.

“It was a sad and difficult decision,” said Matthews, “but we made sure to do so only after due diligence, exploration of all options, and only as the last resort.”

The oak was the first tree lost at Arlington that preexisted the garden. 

For more about Arlington Garden, visit https://www.arlingtongardenpasadena.org/.