Media Advisory: Emergency Removal of Trees in Circle of Palms

Fifteen palm trees in the Circle of Palms in Downtown San José were recently found to be dead or dying, and all others were found to be in declining health. To prevent the potential hazard of falling trees, all 32 palms will be immediately removed on an emergency basis. City contractors will begin removal work in the morning on Thursday, August 20. The work is expected to take up to nine days.

The area has been barricaded to keep the public at a safe distance. The public is urged to stay outside of the barricaded area and follow the instructions of City staff and contractors.

The City acknowledges that the Circle of Palms Plaza is California Historical Landmark No. 461, registered in 1950 as the site of California's first State Capitol. The site has served as a setting for countless community and cultural activities over the years. The City will take a deliberate approach to planning and envisioning for the future of this significant and iconic site, including its budgeting and design, and will announce next steps to determine the future of the plaza at a later date.