Earlier this week, we received a tip from a reader: "Does anyone know if the tree on the north end of Patricia's Green is still healthy?"

We reached out to the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association Greening Committee for more info, and they broke the sad news. "Sadly, the pepper tree that has graced the prime spot for ten years has died," committee member Jim Warshell told us. The recent drought, plus a root pruning, may have hastened its demise.

The Greening Committee is currently researching new species to replace the dead tree, and is in discussion with the Recreation and Parks Department about the trees around Patricia's Green as a whole. The palm trees, they pointed out, also aren't doing very well in the space. 

Those who are interested in participating in the discussion can chat with the HVNA Greening Committee during the neighborhood's summer solstice party at Hayes Valley Art Works; it'll be held on June 23rd at 6:30 pm. If you can't make the event, you can email your thoughts to green [at] hayesvalleysf [dot] org.