On Monday, September 15th, a concerned resident notified Public Works about a tree leaning in Fremont Park and the City Arborist was immediately dispatched to perform an inspection.  The tree in question, an Italian stone pine, had started failing at its base with the large anchoring roots on the south side of the trunk actively deteriorating. In addition, the supportive roots were tearing, cracking and lifting the surrounding soil.  Due to this condition, the tree was slowly falling toward the park’s water fountain, pedestrian walkway, and lawn.  The tree was posted for removal on Monday morning but in the span of only five hours, the rate of the fall began to accelerate.  Due to the increasingly hazardous conditions, the 15-day appeal period was waived and removal of the tree began later Monday afternoon and continued Tuesday morning.  Due to the unbalanced nature of the tree, a crane was used to safely remove the larger, heavier pieces of wood.  This wood will be saved and re-purposed to honor the unique architecture and value of this Italian stone pine.