Blue Atlas Cedar Pruning in Westwood Highlands, San Francisco—Preserving a Century-Old Landmark

Introduction: A Tree with History

In the quiet, sloping streets of Westwood Highlands, San Francisco, stands a remarkable blue atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica), likely planted nearly a century ago when the neighborhood’s homes were first built in the 1920s.

Many of its siblings—once lining these early properties—have disappeared over time. Only this tree and its neighbor remain, silent witnesses to decades of fog, wind, and changing city life.

*Dead, cracked branches in the upper canopy and limbs extending over the roof posed serious safety risks*

A few years ago, a large companion cedar on the same property fell during a winter storm, leaving this remaining tree exposed and one-sided. When Arborist Now was called back for maintenance, our goal was clear: restore balance, improve safety, and ensure the long-term health of a historical tree that still defines the property’s landscape.

The Challenge: Canopy Imbalance and Structural Stress

The last time we serviced the tree was shortly after the other cedar had fallen. At that time, we performed a thorough pruning to stabilize the remaining specimen. But four years later, new issues had appeared:

Dead and cracked branches in the upper canopy that posed potential hazards

Overextended limbs reaching toward the house and roofline

Weakened lower branches growing inward and losing foliage due to lack of sunlight

Structural imbalance caused by the missing twin tree, altering how the crown reacts to wind

Blue atlas cedars are especially sensitive to canopy changes. When large limbs are removed, it can shift how the wind moves through the tree, occasionally leading to internal cracking. We also noted a double leader formation—two main trunks growing very close together and now touching—which could lead to future splitting as they continue to expand in diameter.

*Pruning a historic Blue Atlas Cedar in Westwood Highlands to restore balance and ensure long-term health*

Our Approach: Skilled Pruning and Preventive Planning

The inspection was led by our arborist Rémy Hummer, who performed a complete risk assessment before the work began. The pruning operation itself was handled by Sergio López, one of our most experienced crew leaders and a true bucket truck expert who has been in the arboricultural field since the early 1990s.

Thanks to excellent access in the front yard, we could safely reach the entire crown by bucket, minimizing climbing and reducing impact on the surrounding landscape. A dedicated ground crew managed pedestrian safety, maintained a clean sidewalk, and coordinated limb lowering over the roof using controlled roping techniques.

Throughout the project, our team used Bluetooth-equipped helmets to maintain seamless communication—a simple but essential safety feature that allows precision pruning even in complex urban environments.

The Result: Restored Structure and Safety

After removing all dead and cracked branches, clearing the canopy from the house and roof, and thinning select interior limbs for improved wind flow, the difference was striking.
The tree now has a balanced, lighter structure, better air penetration, and reduced end-weight stress.

We also recommended installing a static steel support cable higher in the canopy to stabilize the two co-dominant leaders—a preventive measure that will help preserve the tree’s integrity as it continues to mature.

Finally, we suggested a regular pruning cycle every two years rather than waiting several years between maintenance. Smaller, more frequent pruning sessions minimize the size of cuts, preserve the tree’s natural form, and extend its lifespan.

*The restored blue atlas cedar in Westwood Highlands—balanced, healthy, and standing strong for decades to come*

A Living Piece of Westwood Highlands History

This blue atlas cedar is more than a tree—it’s a living witness of Westwood Highlands’ history. With proper care and periodic maintenance, it can continue shading and defining this neighborhood for decades to come.

At Arborist Now, we take pride in preserving San Francisco’s urban forest, one tree at a time—combining technical expertise with respect for the landscape’s history and character.

Need Tree Pruning in Westwood Highlands or Elsewhere in San Francisco?

If you have mature trees that need professional care—whether for hazard mitigation, structural pruning, or canopy restoration—our certified arborists can help.

Contact Arborist Now to schedule a consultation and keep your trees safe, beautiful, and thriving for years to come.