The cause for the fall is still unknown; the tree was healthy and no wind had recently blown.
The Monterey cypress believed to have inspired Dr. Seuss’ Truffulas trees in “The Lorax” has fallen. (San Diego Parks and Recreation Department)
Excerpt from this LA Times story:
“I speak for the trees,” Dr. Seuss’ Lorax cried, to the tree-chopping Once-ler’s immense surprise.
Now the tree thought to have inspired the beloved Truffulas is no more. The Monterey cypress has fallen, closing the chapter on its famous lore.
The lone tree stood in San Diego’s Ellen Browning Scripps Park. Seuss reportedly could spot it from his home — leaf to bark.
The cause for the fall is still unknown; the tree was healthy and no wind had recently blown.
“We did have a very wet winter, so we’re looking at the soil to see if that may have been a factor,” Tim Graham said in a statement on behalf of the San Diego Parks and Recreation Department.
The city plans to salvage the trunk of the tree, and a replacement is expected to be planted — eventually.
The fallen cypress was 80 to 100 years old.