This tree is near West Portal, and I pass it probably twenty times a week. I’ve admired it for years. It dominates the street; there’s no other tree of that size or beauty near there.
A few years ago, I was writing a piece on Memorable Trees, and wanted to add this one. But around that time, the owners had it pruned. It was very well done, not butchered, but still the tree looked shorn, like a child after the kind of haircut you get them when you don’t want to have to struggle with it too often.
For a tree, unlike a kid’s hair, it takes quite a time to come all the way back. In the last year or so, I’ve been noticing it again, and I thought I’d better get photographs before it’s time for another pruning.
To the owners of the tree, should they encounter this post – Thank you!
Thanks for caring for it. It’s a grace to the whole community.
FOREST KNOLLS NEIGHBORHOOD 
I’m always amazed at what I *don’t* notice….and that others do. I’ve just read your previous “memorable trees” post, and am so impressed. It’s a true pointer for me to keep my eyes more open, for there are beautiful and unusual trees to be seen, right here at home. Thanks!