10/02/2026
What makes a tree special? There may be many different reasons. This month NLI's Legacy Tree Program is recognizing a Red Maple as the October tree because of the bright red the leaves turn in the fall, is special to the nominator, thrives in a tight spot, and is iconic at the corner of S. 3rd and Oak Streets next to First Lutheran Church in the historic Haight Village neighborhood.
The height is 52.7 feet, with an average crown spread of 36 feet and a circumference of 56.4 inches (4.6 feet).
This Red Maple Legacy Tree was nominated by Mike Mollway, the Sexton and Building Manager of First Lutheran Church. He said, “I’ve been admiring this tree for a long time and have taken several photos of it over the years incorporating the church steeple as a backdrop. I’m a lifelong member of the church and I’ve enjoyed watching this tree turn into the fiery red colors for as long as I can remember. It’s always been a very healthy and straight tree.”
“Each fall, this Red Maple growing in the tight boulevard space on Oak Street next to the beautiful First Lutheran Church, flames with exceptional red fall color,” says Alan Branhagen, Executive Director of Natural Land Institute. He goes on to say, “The tree is usually late to color up, starting its show in late October and continuing into early November before its leaves finally drop.” Red Maples are renowned for their fall color, but trees may have yellow, orange or red fall color and blends thereof. This Red Maple was planted along with four others along Oak Street after Dutch Elm Disease killed the elms that used to line this street. (Special note: this tree is located less than a block away from the NLI office.)
Read the full story and see more photos here:
https://www.naturalland.org/october-2026-tree-red-maple-provides-exceptional-fall-color/
Thank you to Christopher Reisetter and Alan Branhagen for photos.
