Saratoga replaces historic oak tree at Arbor Day celebration

The city of Saratoga and Saratoga Foothill Club partnered to plant a new tree to celebrate Arbor Day on April 24 and replace a 100-year-old oak tree that fell during heavy storms in February.

The entire Saratoga city council, city staff, Foothill Club staff and members of the public turned out to the event at the Foothill Club’s Julia Morgan clubhouse. The event was part of annual Arbor Day celebrations, when a tree is planted in a new area of the city.

Mayor Yan Zhao called the felled oak tree a “beloved landmark, cherished by residents and visitors alike.”

“Today we will be planting a Japanese maple in its place, which will join the family of Japanese maples and lots of small white flowering plants here at the clubhouse grounds,” she said.

Marianne Swan, grounds chair for the Foothill Club, said she chose not to plant another oak tree because she knew the soil could support the decades-old Japanese maples already in the area. The root system of the oak tree had also been interfering with a nearby gate, and when it eventually fell onto Park Place, away from the clubhouse, it caused slight damage to the nearby fence, Swan said.

“Of course the oak tree would have been great, but it already had upset the gate I don’t know how many times,” she added.

Zhao said the city received confirmation the day of the event that the Arbor Day Foundation gave the city its Tree City USA designation for the 17th year in a row. The organization provides cities with the designation if they have a tree board or department, have a community tree ordinance, spend at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and celebrate Arbor Day, according to the foundation’s website.

“Together we can make a difference and ensure a greener, healthier planet for all,” Zhao said.