A tree that is decades-old and is said to have inspired Dr. Seuss to write “The Lorax” has toppled over. The Monterey Cypress in Ellen Browning Scripps Park, San Diego, fell down earlier in June. This happened on a Thursday. By Friday, most of the tree had been removed. Workers took down the remainder of the tree the following week.
It’s kind of sad that the tree that inspired a book that speaks for the trees is no longer in existence. The strange thing is that officials can’t figure out why the tree toppled. They couldn’t find a reason for it. Authorities do hope to plant a replacement tree nearby. They are trying to salvage the large trunk section in the hopes of repurposing it. Hopefully, the tree lives on in some way. It would be a shame if it didn’t.
The tree was estimated to be between 80 – 100 years old. Monterey Cypress’ are unique to the coast of California and can be found along the Pacific Coast despite the fact that they are a rarity. Locals say that this tree was the inspiration for the Truffula trees that are prominently featured in “The Lorax”. Author Theodore Geisel, aka Dr. Suess, reportedly could see the tree from the observation tower where he lived. According to the La Jolla website, people referred to the tree as the Lorax tree.
For those of you who are not familiar with “The Lorax”, the beloved children’s tale tells of a businessman named Once-ler. He harvests a bunch of Truffula trees to make garments called Thneeds. He causes environmental devastation because he uses so many of the Truffulas to do this. An orange creature known as “The Lorax” cautions Once-ler against his destructive ways. He says, “I am the Lorax, I speak for the trees for the trees have no tongues.”
In 2012, the beloved book was turned into a movie starring the vocal talents of Taylor Swift and Zac Efron. Dr. Seuss and his first wife loved the San Diego region and bought the observation tower in 1948. He lived in La Jolla until 1991 when he passed away due to oral cancer at the age of 87. The Lorax is not the tree lives on in the hearts and minds of children of all ages. Its message is just as relevant today as it was when Dr. Seuss first wrote it.
For more information on trees, we encourage you to keep reading our blog as it’s chock-full of facts, figures and stories of interest.
