Giant Eucalyptus Tree - Escondido, CA, USA

In the early 1900s groves of Eucalyptus trees were planted throughout Southern California in the belief that the wood could be used for railroad ties. Unfortunately that was not to be as the wood warped and cracked.
One of the trees from that era was located in Grape Day Park and had grown to be a giant. It was actually two trees that had grown together into one. It was abruptly decided in April of 2013 that the old "Siamese twin" tree needed to be cut down due to "safety concerns," and on April 19, 2013 that occurred.

This is the tree as it appeared on May 26, 2012.

And this is all that remained on May 25, 2013.

Located in Grape Day Park at 321 North Broadway.

Incense Cedar - Palomar Mountain, CA, USA

This large Incense Cedar, Calocedrus decurrens or Libocedrus decurrens, is estimated to be 400 years old.  The Incense Cedar is native to California and is common in the mountains of San Diego County.

This is another tree I remember fondly from childhood picnics and camping trips on Palomar Mountain.

Located near the entrance of the Silvercrest Picnic Area within Palomar Mountain State Park, which is presently on the closure list of California State Parks in July 2012 due to budget cuts.

Moreton Bay Fig - Oceanside, CA, USA

From the summer of 1965 until 1972 I lived just down the block from a giant tree.  Nearly every day I passed beneath it, either walking to and from school, to and from the bus stop across the street, or just riding my bike.  On a hot day it always provided a cool shady spot to pause.  I had no idea what kind of tree it actually was back then, although I thought it was some sort of rubber tree.  Many years later I watched an episode of Huell Howser's California's Gold that featured a giant Moreton Bay Fig tree and realized it was the same kind of tree.  The Moreton Bay Fig tree, Ficus macrophylla, is still there in South Oceanside, looking as healthy as ever.

Its massive roots spread out to the curb on both sides.

According to a letter written to the Oceanside Historical Society by Betty Ann (Uhler) Hillman and published in their Spring 2009 newsletter, the tree was planted in 1934 or 35 by her grandather, Archibald Orestis Cope, and brother, Richard Lee Uhler.  The Copes were the homeowners at that time.

I must acknowledge that while doing online research on this tree I came across a blog post by another blogger who seems to remember this old tree as affectionately as I do.  That post can be found at
http://spitballarmy.com/?p=2962 (Spitball Army: Old Man Tree).

Located at 1602 California Street on the NE corner of California Street and Belleaire Street (or Bellaire, the street signs are spelled differently at either end of the block).

Pepper Tree Frosty - Vista, CA, USA

Originally a Tastee Freez franchise opened in 1953.  The Villaseñor family changed the name to Pepper Tree Frosty shortly after they purchased the business in 1960.  The name Pepper Tree comes from the Pepper Trees that once lined the creek next to the business.  When Vista deepened and lined the creek as a flood control channel it cut off water to the trees and damaged the roots, killing the trees.

 
One large Pepper Tree stump remains next to a patio seating area.

Located at 270 South Santa Fe Ave. the business is still operated by the Villaseñor family and is the site of the annual Burger Run car show held every January.