CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Christmas has come early in the city of Clearlake with a gift from a local nursery that will light up everyone's holiday this season.
A new Christmas tree was planted Monday in the northern picnic area at Austin Park as replacement of the dead pine removed by Public Works on Friday.
The new tree – a blue spruce – was donated by Nottingham Nursery & Garden Supply on Old Highway 53 in Clearlake.
The city had intended to purchase the tree. However, nursery owners Jim and Donna Muhic said business was so good last week that they wanted to donate it.
“Don't thank us,” Jim Muhic said. “Thank the community.”
The tree, which is about 7- to 8-feet tall, is between eight to 10 years old, Jim Muhic said.
He said once it is established, it will grow at a rate of about a foot a year.
While it is officially a blue spruce, he said the species grows full and wide and is commonly known as “Fat Albert.”
Additionally, Donna Muhic said the particular species has a high resistance to the boring beetles she said are common in the area.
Public Works Director Doug Herren said it is unclear what killed the city's former Christmas tree, which had been planted about 10 years ago.
Initially, a lack of water was thought to be the cause, but Herren said when the mound that the tree stood on was removed, the soil was moist.
Public Works crewman Clay VanHousen said the root structure of the tree was minuscule and that it toppled over with ease when removed.
A square metal post with holes in it was sunk next to the new tree, at VanHousen's suggestion, to better provide nutrients to the roots.
Muhic offered to supply the crew with his exclusive mixture of nutrients to help ensure the tree's good health.
Two additional trees are planned for removal at Austin Park.
Herren said the two cottonwood trees in the north corner at Lakeshore and Olympic drives present hazards to the public as they are brittle and cracked, and have lived to their life expectancy.
The city recently reestablished its Park and Recreation Committee, which Herren said will address the replanting of trees in Austin and other city parks.
“They will look at it strategically for optimum use and enjoyment of our parks,” he said.
The location of the new tree is near the typical location of the announcer's booth for the city's Christmas parade, which is followed by the annual tree-lighting ceremony.
Herren said the new location, which also is closer to the gazebo where pictures with Santa take place, will better accommodate those holiday festivities.
Email Denise Rockenstein at
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