Nominate Kensington's Heritage Tree

The City of San Diego has launched a new program that gives local citizens the opportunity to nominate trees for preservation and historic designation. Criteria taken into consideration for tree protection will vary from: aesthetic or historical value,size, shape, health, age, species and form. To nominate a tree to be considered for protection by this designation, citizens must fill out and submit a “Conserve-A-Tree Nomination Form” to the City of San Diego’s Street Division. 

Once the form is received, the tree will be inspected by the Street Division Urban Forester to ensure all designation criteria are met. An Arborist will then evaluate the nominated tree for confirmation. The nomination must also be approved by the Community Forest Advisory Board. Upon approval, the tree will be added to the City of San Diego’s Tree Protection Status, as described in the Tree Protection Policy adopted by City Council in May 2005. The policy states that construction or renovation permits must now recognize the need to keep these trees alive.

Use the form found at the link above and provide the following information about our tree:

Type of Nomination - check both:

Ø        Landmark Tree

Ø        Heritage Tree

Species:  Eucalyptus viminalis

Location & Nearest Cross Street:  4100 block of Adams Avenue, north side between Marlborough Drive and Edgeware Road

Estimated Height: 35 – 40’

Condition: Healthy

Estimated Planting Date:  1923 – 1932

History and Notes: (Sample)

This tree has long been a fixture on Adams Avenue in Kensington.  As you approach Kensington from the West, the tree provides a backdrop for the historic Kensington sign, and is one of the only old, large trees remaining on this end of Adams Avenue other than the heritage trees surrounding the library.

The house in the immediate vicinity was built in 1923 and it is thought that this tree, along with many of the other species of eucalyptus, were planted shortly after the house was built, making this tree at least 75, if not 80 years old.  The estimate of the age of the tree has been provided by the Plant Systematics Laboratory at San Diego State University and a horticulturalist at the San Diego Zoo.

It is unusual to find a Eucalyptus viminalis in San Diego, as these natives of South East Australia are more often found in the cooler, wetter areas of Northern California.  However, it is fortunate for the koalas at the nearby San Diego Zoo, as the leaves of the Manna Gum, or Ribbon Gum, are a favored food, with a 5 – 15% sugar content in the sap.

You should attach a picture of the tree, or print a copy of this picture and send it along to the address listed on the form, as soon as possible, while we still have this tree.