Digging Begins for Relocation of Old Oak

Workers began digging a trench around tree-sitter John Quigley’s former residence Sunday, beginning the process of relocating the 400-year-old oak tree.

Quigley, who climbed into the tree on Nov. 1, was forced out of his perch Friday. His removal paves the way for developer John Laing Homes to widen Pico Canyon Road.

A furious Quigley addressed a crowd of approximately 100 supporters on the site Sunday afternoon, telling them that the excavation was being done too quickly with heavy machinery. He said such an effort must be done slowly with hand tools.

Quigley and many of his supporters say the tree will die if it’s moved because it’s too old and too large.