ENCINITAS, Calif. (KGTV) - The oldest tree at North County’s San Diego Botanic Garden is finding new life as a work of art.
The Eucalyptus cladocalyx was planted 100 years ago at the Encinitas garden. It had to be euthanized last year because it was leaning and posing a threat to visitors, officials said.
Artist Erwin Young “Mitch” Mitchell IV took the 30-foot stump and transformed it into a replica of a baobab tree. He expects to be finished this week.
"The Garden is a wonderful place, not only to visit, but to create such a great endeavor there is fantastic - I appreciate the opportunity," said Mitchell. "It is the first time I have ever changed a tree into another tree. I hope I do the Baobab justice."
Mitchell recently completed the "Hodgee Monster" at Lake Hodges, also sculpted from a deceased Eucalyptus tree.
See the artwork in progress at the San Diego Botanic Garden.
