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Cupertino: Drought dooms family's landmark Christmas star
http://www.mercurynews.com/cupertino/ci_29167350/cupertino-familys-christmas-star-will-shine-one-lastFor more than 30 Christmas seasons, the De Ridders' home has been illuminated by a star atop their 70-foot Monterey Pine. But this will be the last year the star will shine, as the tree has fallen victim to the drought....
The tree is essentially dead and has been trimmed back to reduce any risk of limbs breaking. De Riddetr says a few tree limbs turned brown a few months ago, and the tree's health has gone downhill pretty quickly.
"Monterey pines only last about 60 years on average," Walker says. "People are losing Monterey pines all over the area. The drought absolutely contributed to the stress of the tree."
After the holiday season, both the star and the tree will come down. The couple said they've enjoyed having the star for as long as they have.
The tree is essentially dead and has been trimmed back to reduce any risk of limbs breaking. De Riddetr says a few tree limbs turned brown a few months ago, and the tree's health has gone downhill pretty quickly.
"Monterey pines only last about 60 years on average," Walker says. "People are losing Monterey pines all over the area. The drought absolutely contributed to the stress of the tree."
After the holiday season, both the star and the tree will come down. The couple said they've enjoyed having the star for as long as they have.
