Iconic Pleasanton Tree, Sickened, Removed From Lions Wayside Park

PLEASANTON, CA — Removal of a sickened eucalyptus tree — one of the oldest in the city — is underway and should be complete by the end of the week, the city said.

The iconic Lions Wayside Park tree has contracted an incurable sulphur fungus and poses a safety hazard to the public, according to the city. Despite city staff's efforts, fungus has spread throughout the tree.

It has escalated to the point where branches could fall on the public.

Most on social media were understanding that the tree had to go. However, a small protest was held beneath the tree Tuesday morning, the day the city was scheduled to start removal, as Pleasanton Weekly reported. Protesters argued the city should have gone father to preserve the tree by pruning or cutting down its size, the paper reported.

The massive tree is thought to be at least 125 feet tall and was deemed a heritage tree because of its size, Bay Area News Group reported. There was nothing else the city could do, city spokesperson Cindy Chin told the paper.

On social media, some mourned the loss of their favorite tree, a perfect spot for lounging and sight to behold during Concerts in the Park.

Others pointed out that eucalyptus trees are not native to California. And fungus aside, some say, this eucalyptus tree posed another threat: it's highly flammable.

But this is not goodbye forever. A portion of the beloved tree will be on display at an Alviso Adobe Community Park exhibit, Pleasanton Weekly reported.

"This is sad," a social media commenter wrote, "but safety first."