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Community Corner

Landmark Agoura: The Starbucks Oak

Trees, trees, trees. Where is the oldest in Agoura Hills?

'Tis the season for , more than ever. Christmas trees, Hanukkah bushes. Poinsettia plants, and holly bushes. Agoura Hills boasts a parade of impressive trees, and some stand out more than others, especially in the late fall. Some year round.

A landmark tree has been growing for years by on Kanan Road. "It's been there for at least 100 years," said the City of Agoura Hills' oak tree consultant, Kay Greeley. "The oak tree there is at least 48 inches in diameter." Next time you stop for a latte, have a look at it, and others in the area, on streets and in parks.

The only real way to find out the age of the tree is to cut it and count its rings, said Greeley. She added, neighboring trees in the city are up to 75 years of age, but never quite as old as people may think. "Because of the fires in Southern California, trees regrowth is from the root system," she said, which makes them sometimes look older than they really are.

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Historically, the Christmas tree actually predates Christianity by centuries. Ancient Romans were said to have decorated trees with small pieces of metal during "Saturnalia," their winter festival honoring Saturnus, god of agriculture.

Pre-cut Christmas trees, such as Douglas Firs—Fraser and Noble—are sold until Friday, Dec. 24 by on lots at 4995 Kanan Road, and 28900 Roadside Drive. Once you get ready to , cut it in half to count the trunk's rings.

Find out what's happening in Agoura Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Remember, the City of Agoura Hills participates with the County of L.A.'s Sanitation District's free annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program to collect and recycle trees to preserve landfill space. It starts the day after Christmas Day and runs through to the third week of January. 

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