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SF Officials Warned About Deadly Stern Grove Tree

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Apr 30, 2008 2:39 pm US/Pacific

SF Officials Warned About Deadly Stern Grove Tree

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5 / KCBS) ― An arborist warned San Francisco park officials four years ago that the redwood tree at Stern Grove whose branch fell and killed a woman had significant structural defects that put it at risk of falling.

A report filed in 2004 by HortScience of Pleasanton identified the tree that killed Kathleen Bolton on Apr. 14 as needing further inspection because of the extensive dieback of large branches. The firm did not, however, recommend it for removal.

"The tree involved in the tragic incident a couple of weeks ago was not in that category," said parks dept. spokeswoman Rose Marie Dennis. Instead, it was recommended for "aerial overview or aerial inspection."

The city commissioned HortScience to study Stern Grove's trees as part of a major renovation project that started in 2003. About 600 of the 2,600 trees there were identified as potential hazards.

Neighbors said falling branches are not uncommon inside and around the grove, but Bolton's death stands out as highly unusual. Dennis said her department began by addressing the most dangerous trees first.

Dennis was uncertain whether all of the trees recommended for further inspection had been damaged, but she said that following Bolton's death park officials did examine Stern Grove looking for other potential dangers.

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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