Westmont to remove beloved ‘Pickle Tree’ Thursday

MONTECITO, Calif. – Westmont College will be cutting down their beloved redwood tree on Kerrwood Lawn on Thursday.

The redwood tree is affectionately named the Pickle Tree, according to a Westmont College spokesperson.

The tree has suffered significant damage due to the drought in the area, the school said.

Despite efforts of groundskeepers and arborists to prolong the life of the tree, the damage has become too much and the tree has died.

The college says it has made the difficult decision to cut down the tree due to the potential hazard of falling branches.

The tree was once of about five redwood trees on the lawn and this is the last remaining one.

On Thursday, crews will carefully take the tree down in six-foot sections.

The college will create commemorative items with the wood and donate some of it to artists for their use.