A pine tree planted in memory of Beatles lead guitarist George Harrison was ironically killed off by a beetle infestation, Los Angeles Councilman Tom LaBonge announced over the weekend.
The pine tree was planted in 2004 in Griffith Park in memory of the late Beatle, who died in 2001. Mr. Harrison spent his final days in Los Angeles and was an avid gardener for much of his adult life, the Los Angeles Times reported.
The tree, located near the Griffith Observatory, grew to be at least 10 feet tall before beetles overran it. Trees in Griffith Park have occasionally been the victims of bark beetles and ladybug beetles, among other tree-unfriendly creatures, the Times reported.
A small plaque at the base of the tree read, “In memory of a great humanitarian who touched the world as an artist, a musician and a gardener.” The plaque also quoted Mr. Harrison, saying, “For the forests to be green, each tree must be green,” Billboard reported.
The tree will be replanted shortly but a date has not yet been set.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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