Another very sad story for San Francisco tree lovers - the majestic bunya bunya tree (Araucaria bidwillii) at 201 Vicente Street in the West Portal neighborhood, has been removed by the owner. Nothing left but a stump. I don’t have the details as to why, but I do know it was done without a permit - which is a no no, since the tree was a “significant tree” that was close enough to the sidewalk to require a City permit for removal. The Public Works Department is aware of the violation and will be dealing with the owner.

This is the second of San Francisco’s “top 10” trees to be lost within the last year - the amazing California buckeye at Willard Street North and McAllister died of unknown causes last winter, and now this. I previously ranked the California buckeye as my #2 in the City and this bunya bunya was #4. Both trees are highlighted in my Trees of San Francisco book. So sad to lose these two landmarks!