Bird Rock Council to Replace Vandalized Pine Tree

The Canary Island pine toppled in May after repeated cuts to its base, and a replacement is expected to be planted in December.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Botany

Young Canary Island pine standing in a grassy median along a quiet coastal boulevard, with modest homes softly blurred behind it under soft morning light. — The Bird Rock Community Council will replace a Canary Island pine toppled May 9 after vandals repeatedly cut its base, with the $30,000 replacement expected in December. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Bird Rock Community Council plans to replace a Canary Island pine tree in the median adjacent to 5443 La Jolla Blvd. that toppled on May 9 after vandals made repeated cuts to its base. The replacement, a semi-mature 24-inch box tree, is expected to be planted in December, barring inclement weather.

Why it matters

The incident was reported to the San Diego Police Department as a felony vandalism case, and the estimated $30,000 cost of the tree and replacement is funded through the Maintenance Assessment District budget. The council also reported reduced vandalism and plant damage during Halloween.

The council's estimate breaks the $30,000 total into more than $20,000 for the tree and as much as $10,000 for emergency cleanup, planting, irrigation and installation. Whether the costs will change once the replacement is planted has not been stated.

The players

Bird Rock Community Council

A neighborhood advisory group in the Bird Rock area of San Diego that oversees local improvements and filed the vandalism report.

San Diego Police Department

The municipal police agency of San Diego that received the felony vandalism report filed in connection with the toppled tree.

The details

Incisions to the base of the tree were first observed on Feb. 13 and again two days later, with additional trunk cuts found on May 6, when crews placed caution tape around it. The tree toppled around 4:30 a.m. on May 9 without injuring anyone or hitting vehicles, and the replacement will be smaller than the original.

Feb. 13: First incisions observed on the tree.
May 6: Additional trunk cuts observed and caution tape placed.
May 9: Tree toppled around 4:30 a.m.
December: Replacement tree expected to be planted, barring inclement weather.

Seasonal Patterns

The Urban Landcare contract was renewed and the vendor transitioned to fully electronic maintenance tools this year, and future annual renewals of the contract are anticipated. The replacement tree is smaller than the one lost, reflecting the size the city's requirements allow for median plantings.

Residents in Bird Rock will see the median tree replaced in December, weather permitting, and the restored tree will be smaller than the one lost. Community members who want to follow the project can attend the council's holiday party at 5518 La Jolla Blvd.

The takeaway

Community investment in street trees depends on sustained maintenance and protection from damage. Residents who notice vandalism to public plantings can report it to local authorities.

What happens next

The replacement tree is expected to be planted in December, barring inclement weather, and the Bird Rock Community Council will hold its holiday party at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 5518 La Jolla Blvd.