The San Mateo Sequoia Benches — Part II of the Giant Sequoia Story
From Giant to Gathering Place
In our previous story, “A Rare Urban Giant: Removing and Repurposing a Giant Sequoia in Hillsborough, CA,” we shared the remarkable tale of a 150-year-old giant sequoia that had outgrown its urban home. The massive tree, nearly ninety feet tall and seven feet wide at its base, had stood for generations before its decline made removal inevitable.
But its story didn’t end there.
What began as a careful tree removal soon became a journey of preservation, transformation, and renewal—culminating in the creation of public benches that now grace Washington Park in Burlingame, just a few miles from where the sequoia once stood. This project beautifully connects our Tree Removal and Wood Salvage Services with our Urban Wood Milling & Upcycling Division, showcasing the full life cycle of sustainable arboriculture.
Giving a New Purpose to a Fallen Giant
After the removal, our team at Arborist Now, San Mateo’s trusted tree experts and urban wood millers, salvaged the enormous logs and brought them to our yard in San Francisco. Using our Lucas Mill—an Australian-made portable sawmill capable of cutting logs up to eight feet in diameter, and one of only a few on the West Coast — we milled the sequoia into wide slabs, each revealing deep reddish hues and striking grain patterns unique to the species.
Months later, we were approached by Mike Glynn Construction to help restore the benches in Burlingame’s Washington Park. The original benches, made of laminated Douglas fir boards, were failing—peeling, delaminating, and fading after years of exposure. The city wanted replacements that were durable, timeless, and meaningful.
We saw the perfect connection between sustainable San Mateo wood milling, local craftsmanship, and the legacy of a California giant.
A Story of Craft, Collaboration, and Meaning
We proposed using solid sequoia slabs from the Hillsborough tree instead of glued boards. The look would be more powerful, the structure more stable, and the symbolism undeniable—a tree once rooted in a local backyard would now live on in a public space, offering comfort and reflection to thousands.
Over several months, our Arbor Upcycle team worked hand in hand with the builders to bring the design to life:
- Slab selection and shaping: choosing natural and curved pieces for a sculptural, organic feel
- Engraving and epoxy work: carving quotations and filling them with black epoxy for durability and contrast
- Finishing: planing, sanding, and sealing each surface for beauty and longevity
- Bench base repairs: assisting the installation team with reinforcing damaged supports to ensure a solid and lasting fit
Our Custom Milling and Outdoor Furniture Services make it possible to create unique, lasting pieces like these from locally salvaged trees.
Words that Unite Generations
Each bench features engraved quotations that span centuries and cultures—from Mark Twain’s tribute to Anson Burlingame, to words by Martin Luther King Jr., Toni Morrison, Sojourner Truth, and Chief Joseph (Nez Percé).
Anson Burlingame’s own reflections on equity, justice, and cooperation anchor the park’s Eastern and Western portals. To honor the city’s diverse heritage, all inscriptions are presented in both English and Chinese.
The result is more than furniture—it’s a public art installation that connects language, community, and history, handcrafted from sustainably milled urban sequoia wood by San Mateo’s leading tree care and wood restoration experts.
From Hillsborough to Burlingame: A Full Circle
By late October 2025, the benches were installed and welcomed with enthusiasm from city officials and residents alike.
For Arborist Now, it marked the completion of a full circle—from removing a declining sequoia to milling, designing, and installing benches that now serve the community just a few miles away.
The transformation of this tree embodies what we strive for in every project:
Sustainability through creativity.
Urban forestry turned into legacy.
A living story that continues, even after the tree’s life ends.
Sustainability in Action
Projects like this remind us that every urban tree holds value far beyond its lifespan. With care, imagination, and craftsmanship, even the largest removals can become opportunities for education, inspiration, and community connection.
The San Mateo sequoia benches are more than a restoration—they’re a tribute to local heritage, environmental stewardship, and the artistry of upcycling. They stand as living proof that trees can continue to give back, long after their final branch falls.
Discover more about our Urban Wood Milling & Tree Removal & Salvage Services, or visit our Arbor Upcycle Gallery to see how we transform fallen trees into lasting works of art.