Posted by The sage, a resident of the Atherton: Lindenwood neighborhood, on May 25, 2011 at 12:31 pm

Hey Almanac - how about a picture of the tree in question?

Posted by Kelly Brennan, a resident of the Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park neighborhood, on May 25, 2011 at 12:35 pm

In a perfect world I hope we would do whatever required, regardless of costs, to save this beautiful heritage tree. But, given budgetary constraints that are our reality, I'd halt the research of tunneling, etc. to spare this tree and use the funds to save an restore an entire park: Flood Park. We have to prioritize and make tough choice choices that will be unpopular with some or many.

Posted by Fred, a resident of the Menlo Park: Fair Oaks neighborhood, on May 25, 2011 at 3:09 pm

If this tree catches sudden oak death, affecting others just a few miles away, all this extra trouble will be for nothing. The tree in in an easement anyhow. Tough choice, but, oak does convert to very clean heat and falls within the index of Spare the Air smoke index. Romantic ideas cost money, so take up a collection from the tree huggers.

Posted by Shawn, a resident of the Menlo Park: Allied Arts/Stanford Park neighborhood, on May 25, 2011 at 5:35 pm

For those that are saddened by the fact that sometimes you can't save everything, even a beautiful oak tree, why not take a collection and plant many more baby Ganny trees elsewhere.

Posted by Tree guy, a resident of the Menlo Park: Fair Oaks neighborhood, on May 25, 2011 at 5:52 pm

Re Fred's comment about Sudden Oak Death. This tree is a Valley Oak, which is not susceptible to SOD.

Posted by Menlo Voter, a resident of the Menlo Park: other neighborhood, on May 25, 2011 at 7:38 pm

Oaks do not transplant well. They have about a 50% chance normally, but the larger they are the harder they are to transplant. this is a stupid idea. Put two off-sets in the pipe to go around the tree. It's not that complicated.

Posted by sadfsf, a resident of the Menlo Park: Belle Haven neighborhood, on May 25, 2011 at 7:42 pm

why was my post deleted?

MV: remove the tree, it's not that complicated.

Posted by sadfsf, a resident of the Menlo Park: Belle Haven neighborhood, on May 25, 2011 at 7:44 pm

[Post repetitive.]

Posted by Menlo Voter, a resident of the Menlo Park: other neighborhood, on May 25, 2011 at 9:57 pm

[Post removed. Please discuss the topic instead of attacking posters.]

Posted by Mike Galvin, a resident of another community, on May 26, 2011 at 5:22 am

Dr Tony Mucciardi has developed a tool called the Tree Radar Unit (Web Link). It is an application of Ground Penetrating Radar adapted and calibrated to map tree roots underground (it can differentiate between roots and pipes, rebar, etc., largely based on water content of the object in question). I would suggest having a consulting arborist scan the roots using TRU so the depth and extent of the root system can be mapped. This would help create the most cost-effective strategy for tunnelling or lifting. I have used this tool many times and it is excellent, but being in Washington, DC am a bit far away to be of assistance. You have many excellent consultants locally. Thank you for efforts to save this tree. Mike Galvin, Registered Consulting Arborist #432, Casey Trees

Posted by sadfsf, a resident of the Menlo Park: Belle Haven neighborhood, on May 26, 2011 at 1:59 pm

How about this simple idea: Remove the tree root system, replace with a concrete foundation, and preserve the tree with this Web Link and

Posted by Menlo Voter, a resident of the Menlo Park: other neighborhood, on May 26, 2011 at 7:11 pm

How about they reroute the pipeline slightly instead of killing the tree?

Posted by POGO, a resident of the Woodside: other neighborhood, on May 26, 2011 at 8:25 pm

MV -

You know what they say about wrestling with a pig.

Posted by Menlo Voter, a resident of the Menlo Park: other neighborhood, on May 27, 2011 at 7:06 am

Good point POGO

Posted by Hmmm, a resident of another community, on May 27, 2011 at 4:58 pm

Is this rocket surgery of some kind? Sheesh, it's not even tree surgery! Just go around it.