Lessons in Growing Tall

If you believe in Celtic legends, you may make it a habit of talking to your local trees - and you won’t be surprised when the trees talk back. You might look to them for wisdom, protection, and solace in addition to shade. San Francisco’s trees are numerous and varied, and you listen closely, they have some good advice:

From ‘Mike’, the 150-year old monterey cyprus off of Haight: everything will change around you. The place you find yourself might look nothing like the place you were built for. This makes your survival a celebration and your perspective a gift.

From the out-of-place palms along Oak or Page: don’t be afraid to stand out. You can thrive without changing yourself to be like everyone else.

From Mount Sutro’s blue gum eucalyptus: bend in the wind. If you must break, cast off your small branches but keep your core intact.

From the Sea Cliff pines and the cork oaks on Geary: Improve your surroundings. Clean the air you breathe, provide shade to passers-by, and let your color shine in a world of grey.

From the wizened and ginger-like london planes at the GGP Music Concourse, whose annual pollarding leaves them leafless: you won’t look your prettiest all the time. It’s okay to sacrifice now for future growth.

From the watchtower douglas fir on Collingwood: tap into your network and don’t be afraid to rely on those around you. Strengthen ties with your neighbors, for even the smallest among you may have things to share.

From every sidewalk tree ringed in concrete: you don’t need a palace from which to rule. You can reach great heights without getting everything you want.

From the canopied coast live oak on Buena Vista’s north slope: use your strength to be a home for others. Let the woodpeckers eat, the squirrels play, and the owls rest.

From the low-lying, sprawling coastal tea tree: no matter your worth, some may see you as a weed. Others will delight in your unique shapes - let them.