Huge Tree Splits, Falls at Retirement Community

A complex manager said it's luck no one was injured

Tenants of the Orchard Apartments in San Diego woke up Tuesday with a massive tree on their doorsteps.

The 40-foot tree that topped the two-story complex on Hancock Street split and fell early Tuesday morning, blocking access to several units and resting on a stairwell along the side of one building.

"It heard a crack and I thought it was lightning until I looked outside and I couldn’t believe it,” said Kathy Sommers-Meek. β€œThat tree split this way and it split that way.”

San Diego police were called to the retirement community just after 6 a.m. to help because witnesses thought someone may be trapped inside one of the units.

Jeannie Burger lives near where the tree fell and said it happened quickly and loudly.

"Hear a ripping noise then 'boom' that's it. It was just really fast,” Burger said.

No one was trapped officials said.

Complex manager Dustin Peek said the tree was a 7-year-old coral tree. They trim the trees every year and this particular tree was trimmed just last year, he said. 

He said coral trees tend to grow very fast and split really easily.

β€œLuck, karma, fate we are blessed that no one was hurt,” Peek said.

Atlas Tree Service cut the tree branch by branch and carried it away to be ground into dust.

Peek said his staff will inspect the rest of their trees and replace this tree with a stronger one.
 

Contact Us