GRIFFITH PARK—The George Harrison Memorial Tree was replanted in Griffith Park on Wednesday, February 25.
The original tree, a Canary Island pine, was planted February 22, 2004 at the Charlie Turner Trailhead near the Griffith Observatory in honor of the Beatles’ lead guitarist, an avid gardener himself, who died in 2001. The memorial tree, which had grown more than 10 feet, had ironically succumbed to a beetle infestation in 2013.
On December 4 Councilman Tom Labonge, whose district includes Griffith Park, told Canyon News, “The most important step in order to prevent (the new tree) from dying is more rain. California is currently in an epic drought, so rain is essential for not only this tree, but all trees in Griffith Park.”
Chris Carter, the host of KLSX’s “Breakfast With the Beatles” show, hosted the replanting ceremony.
Near the tree stump of the former memorial tree, a plaque reads, “In memory of a great humanitarian who touched the world as an artist, a musician and gardener.” It concludes with a quote from Harrison: “For the forests to be green, each tree must be green.”
“All my loving goes to our fan favorite, George Harrison,” said LaBonge in a statement. The new tree, a yew pine, will be planted on what would have been the “Quiet Beatle’s” 72nd birthday.
For more information about Department of Recreation and Parks events, activities, services, programs, and facilities, go to www.laparks.org, or call 311, or (213) 202-2700.
