Monterey Pine /  Lone Tree

A small Pinus radiata sits across the road from the park. Compared to the dense wall of trees on the park side of the street, this specimen is compact. But its knobby, valiant trunk sings out for attention. There’s a freedom to its pose that the mature park trees lack. It is an especially stark contrast to the trimmed shrubs and lawns along this side of the street.

Someone must tend to this handsome tree with love. It stands surrounded by carefully placed rocks and neat, if weather-worn, wooden posts. The mosses and stray grasses have gone a little rogue, but the tree seems to enjoy the wild company. I like to think they’re encouraging each other’s wild side.