Atherton: Huge tree nearly crushes house, resident Atherton: Huge tree nearly crushes house, resident (February 01, 2006)

** No injuries and little damage as tree makes a graceful exit.

The end came suddenly last week for a giant coast live oak in the backyard of Mason and Mary Beth Brutschy at their home on Lloyden Drive in Atherton.

Ms. Brutschy said she was at her kitchen window at about 11 a.m. Saturday, January 21, when the tree "kind of lifted right up and laid right down," neatly finding the gap between house and garage. It sounded like a freight train, she said.

External damage to the house seemed slight, but a heavy branch apparently cracked four or five rafters that will have to be replaced, said Mr. Brutschy. "It could have been much worse," he added.

The tree lived about 100 years and stood about 80 feet tall, said arborist Dave Babby.

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