HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/13/2022 cc Hoskins (1991 McCollum Star Pine Tree)
Delgado, Adriana
From:Jill Hoskins <jdkhoskins@msn.com>
Sent:Sunday, February
To:Advisory Bodies
Subject:Tree Committee Re: 1991 McCollum St. Star Pine Tree
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Greetings,
Thank you for denying the request to remove the large Star Pine at 1991 McCollum Street! The tree is
important to the neighborhood on many levels.
I am Jill Hoskins. I own and live next door at 1956 McCollum Street. I have been here since 1995 and have
appreciated our towering trees since I first viewed my property.
I noticed immediately that the four trees are set at the four directions, an additional bit of magic and
power. Over the years, I have learned much about this corner of San Luis Obispo. The tree in question has
history and lore to be proud of, as well as a huge environmental impact on the area.
The home I live in and the house at 1991 were both owned, once upon a time, by Sam and Alma Coull. Sam
worked for Standard Oil and Alma was a Horticulture professor at Cal Poly. They lived first in my house, and
then built and moved to 1991. Back then, in the 1940s through at least the 1960s, there was no Leaning Pine
Arboretum. Alma Coull had a fabulous and diverse garden in the empty space behind her home. She used it
as a teaching tool, bringing her students to her garden to observe a variety of plants from all over the world.
Not much of that fabled garden is left, but she planted the Star Pine, the Redwoods in the garden lot, and the
Deodara Cedar in my front yard.
Further lore states that Johnny Froom (yes, he grew up on the Froom Ranch), who lived on the other side of
my property, admired the Star Pine so much that he asked Sam Coull to tell him its name and species. Sam
teased and refused, like a person with a secret recipe. Johnny ended up planting a Norfolk Pine, similar, but
not quite the same!
The house at 1991 McCollum is currently a student/fraternity rental. Their parties are frequent and
noisy. When it is quiet outside, I often hear a cacophony of birds. Flocks of starlings seem to love the Star
Pine. We have songbirds, owls, doves, crows, and raptors who use the high up branches of Sam and Alma's
tree. It is a treasure to the wildlife and to the neighborhood.
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Clearly, to lose this unusual tree would be a tragedy. Trees need care, maintenance, and cleanup, but their
value far exceeds any effort spent to sustain them. This Star Pine and its fellow sentinels are a joy and
privilege to live beneath.
Thank you for all you do!
Regards,
Jill Hoskins
1956 McCollum St.
SLO 93405
(805) 459-0690
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