Menlo Park district will remove oak on new school site

Please know that the school district's decision to fell the old oak today was a prudent one that was not entered into lightly nor quickly. They acted responsibly and with respect for the safety of our community, children as well as considering the beauty and value of our heritage tree. They visited the site several times, listened to community members, and further spent the time and money to weigh the pros and cons of any decision they would need to make (whether allowing the tree to continue standing or not), as well as seeking reports from three different arborists made over a period of years. To those who questioned why the tree was okay while the property was leased to the German School, know that during their tenure, it wasn't "okay" but had been under multiple yearly surveillances, fixing with multiple ten-ton (cobra) cables in the canopy, reducing end weights and resistograph testing, to check the heartwood, while reporting it's risk of failure at 9 out of 12, that all these precautions would not reduce the failure of the tree or its limbs. To those who view a tree as "healthy" by virtue of a green canopy, know that the trunk at ground level was indeed rotted, snapping off as the last 15 feet fell to the ground with a thunder that shook the earth. So very lucky it wasn't left to fall of it's own accord, and kill someone. So I hope everyone can appreciate the care and thoughtfulness given by MPCSD for their entire course of action in reaching the decision for removal, and plan to plant many more trees and memorialize the old oak. MPCSD has our deepest thanks and respect.

That tree was perfectly fine while the property was leased to the German American International School. If it wasn't OK it would have been removed. The school district has also quietly "topped" the magnificent heritage redwood tree that stood in front of GAIS, chopping over 50% off the upper portion of the redwood without neighborhood or community notification. I predict that tree will be dead and removed by the time construction ends at the site. I'm sure its rotton to the core as well. MPCSD is judged by their actions, not by propaganda. There was a school full of kids there for over 20 years, and no tree's were topped or removed during that tenure by MPCSD, the landlord for the site. Now suddenly heritage trees are gone, because . . . wait for it . . . it's for the kids safety, just not the German speaking ones.

Good - I'm tired of seeing these lame headlines. Just take it out!