Why is Visalia’s Sequoia Legacy Tree being removed?

VISALIA, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – A Downtown Visalia landmark, the Sequoia Legacy Tree, is going to be removed after being a symbol of the city for 90 years, officials with Visit Visalia announced.

This comes after officials say the tree received a professional evaluation that declared the tree dead. The tree previously defied the odds of surviving on the Central Valley floor where summer temperatures average over 100 degrees.

Officials say the 90-year-old has been a symbol of the city’s friendship and connection with the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. It has stood at the corner of Locust Street and Acequia Avenue, on the west side of the Visalia Post Office, since it was planted as a 3-year-old spaling in 1936.

The tree was recognized for its historical significance in 2016 in celebration of the 100 anniversary of the National Park Service. In 2018, it was dedicated as the Sequoia Legacy Tree and has been honored by residents and admired by visitors in its final years, according to officials.

Now, Visit Visalia says they are looking for input from the community. Those who would like to be involved in the next phase of developing Visalia’s visual connection and appreciation for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are encouraged to send their comments and suggestions to  info@visitvisalia.com.

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