Expert arborists this week launched a science-based plan to save a large oak tree currently located on the future site of the San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre.
The City of San Luis Obispo, SLO REP, renowned arborists, and private donors are working together to prepare the tree for construction activity and a possible move to the lawn at Mission Plaza near the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art.
KSBY News has been following this story from the start, tracking every development as the community rallied to find a way to preserve the tree.
The effort is being led by tree biologist Matt Ritter, a Cal Poly professor and director of the university's Plant Conservatory, and Brian Kempf, co-founder and director of the Urban Tree Foundation, both volunteering their expertise.
"Large trees this size, including live oaks, have been successfully transplanted elsewhere," Ritter said. "While success is not guaranteed and transplanting a tree of this size is a complex undertaking, we are determined to give it its best chance of survival. The multi-stage transplant process starts with preparing the tree's roots before we can try to move it."
The oak tree was originally included in designs for the new theatre but was approved for removal in February after an assessment determined it was unlikely to survive construction.
After learning of the planned removal, concerned community members contacted Ritter to explore alternatives.
The new theatre represents more than a decade of planning and is a significant investment in the cultural life of San Luis Obispo.
The City has set aside $6.7 million in grant funding for the estimated $22.5 million project.
When opened, the theatre is expected to draw 50,000 people downtown and generate more than $5 million in annual economic impact.
City staff began deep-soak irrigation with 2,000 gallons of water on Friday, August 7, to fully hydrate and stabilize the root ball, making it less likely to break apart or go into shock when the tree is eventually dug up and moved.
City tree maintenance staff and arborists led by Ritter and Kempf will begin selective root pruning on Thursday, August 13.
The process involves cutting back specific roots using chainsaws and other power tools to encourage new, compact feeder roots to grow close to the trunk over the following months.
Deep-soak irrigation will continue after root pruning is complete, and the tree will be monitored for several months before a transport date is set.
The transplant strategy is designed to align with SLO REP's construction timeline.
"We're grateful for Dr. Ritter's involvement. This has the real potential for a win-win for the community and SLO REP," Pam Nichter, SLO REP Board President, said. "His approach respects both the desire to save this tree and SLO REP's intended construction timeline."
Established in 1947, SLO REP is one of the country's oldest regional theatres and San Luis Obispo County's only nonprofit professional theatre company.
