After About 90 Years, Ficus Tree Leaves

Some of the spectators peering into a trench off Chapman Avenue on Thursday said the activity reminded them of the ancient Egyptians laboriously heaving their massive stones toward the great pyramids.

Moving inches at a time, about 20 feet an hour, one of the city’s oldest trees slid almost imperceptibly along metal rollers toward its new home. Hours later, the huge ficus rested 150 feet away from where it was planted by a pioneer rancher named Thomas Flippen about 90 years ago.

By Thanksgiving, the residents who watched the elaborate process Thursday could be parking their cars under its branches.

The point of the two-year, $100,000 venture was to make room for a new Ralphs supermarket.

The fate of the Ficus Rubiginosa australis came into question about five years ago, when a Lucky supermarket on the site wanted to expand. That plan fell through, and two years ago, Westminster-based ICI Development Co. lured Ralphs to the spot.

But the tree had been listed as a historic tree worthy of protection in 1973, said Jim Donovan, associate planner with the city.

“Originally, Lucky’s asked the council to remove it from the list,” Donovan said. “Fortunately, we really didn’t have to argue too much because there was very strong community reaction. The city flat out told them they had to move it.”

ICI first posted a $10,000 bond to ensure the tree, which stands close to 100 feet tall and weighs more than 150 tons, survives for three years after its move.

The developers then brought in Valley Crest Tree Co. of Calabasas. Workers dug an 8-by-25-foot trench and began the process of boxing the tree’s six-foot root ball in preparation. The process will cost more than $100,000, but ICI project manager Mick Meldrum said it is worth every penny.

“We’re happy we didn’t have to tear it down,” he said, pointing out that birds were still lighting on the tree’s branches as it inched along. “It’s a gorgeous tree. It’s nice to see this happen.”

Stuart Sperber, president of Valley Crest, said this was the most ambitious project his company has taken in more than 40 years.

“It’s the largest tree ever moved,” he said proudly. “The tree is doing very well. I give it 100% chance of survival.”

Resident James Crun, a retired schoolteacher, was soaking in every minute of the action. He and his two grandsons had brought a chair, water, food and a large umbrella to fend off the sun.

“We’re going to be here as long as it takes,” he said. “I told them this is the way they built the pyramids and they’re doing it still. It’s an educational field trip.” --LESLEY WRIGHT