City replaces toppled pine tree at La Jolla Rec Center

Workers installed a 15-year-old Italian stone pine tree on Friday

City crews installed a 15-year-old Italian stone pine tree at La Jolla Rec Center Friday afternoon. It replaces a stone pine estimated to be about 100 years old, which toppled onto the Rec Center in August.

City of San Diego Park and Recreation Area Manager Mark Moncey said the tree cost about $2,000 (plus installation) and was paid for by the city. He said it was among the healthiest and most mature stone pines at Escondido-based Moon Valley Nursery. Installation had been delayed due to the amount of time it took to ground out the old tree’s stump and extensive root system, and concerns that the job not damage the Rec Center’s irrigation system, he said.

“To plant a tree is to plant hope,” said Cindy Greatrex, vice-president of La Jolla Parks & Recreation Inc. “We are honored to do so in the centennial year of the Rec Center, so it can be enjoyed for generations to come.”