LA JOLLA, Calif. (WTHR) — A California tree that inspired Dr. Seuss' book "The Lorax" has fallen.
A spokesperson for San Diego Parks and Recreation told TODAY the Monterey Cypress tree in a park in La Jolla fell June 13. Author Theodor Seuss Geisel could see the tree from a window in his home and he reportedly used it as inspiration for the Truffula trees in his book, which was later recreated as a movie.
Geisel lived in the La Jolla home from 1948 until he passed away in 1991. The tree was estimated to be between 80-100 years old, but it is not known what caused it to fall.
"We did want to make it clear that the tree was not dead when it fell,'' parks spokesman Tim Graham told TODAY. "It did have some termites, but was generally in good condition."
"The Lorax," which was published in 1971, tells the story of the Once-ler, who built his business at the expense of the Truffula trees before the title character confronts him to try to save the forest.
"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not,'' one famous line of the story reads.
The book reflected Geisel's personal beliefs over construction that threatened the natural beauty surrounding his home, TODAY reported.
Graham said the city plans to plant a new tree and hopes to repurpose the trunk of the fallen cypress.
