Heritage oaks, towering redwoods, majestic pines and fragrant bays are all part of the magical Lamorinda landscape.  Early photos of Lamorinda reveal that indigenous oaks were some of the only trees that dotted this hilly terrain.

According to local lore, Sunset Magazine published a reforestation issue in the 1960’s which prompted well meaning boy scouts to plant tree after tree after tree in every corner of the area.  Some say thousands of Monterey Pines were planted among the existing oak trees.

“You could walk into any store and buy them, they were so plentiful,” says one resident. 

Sixty years later, the pines that were planted by the boy scouts are near if not at the end of their 50-60 year life cycle.  Many of these trees have become hazards and are now being removed, sometimes 5-10 at a time. 

When purchasing a home, be sure to observe, notate and if necessary, hire the services of a certified arborist to inspect the trees on the lot.  When we purchased our home 6 years ago, we had two Heritage California Coastal Live Oaks inspected by an arborist.  Both were hanging over living areas.  One of them was diseased and needed to be removed.  We had to go to the planning department and obtain a permit to do so.  Also, remember to check with city or town officials – when you remove a large oak tree, even if diseased, you may be required to plant multiple saplings in its place. 

Once you move in, it’s important to have trees inspected annually or bi-annually.