Young Researcher Has Launched Search for City’s Tallest Tree
Following the removal of a record-holding tree, one family is systematically measuring urban canopy height.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Botany
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Seven-year-old Kellan Phillickan has initiated a project to identify San Francisco’s new tallest tree after the previous record-holder was removed. The project follows the loss of a 218-foot Tasmanian blue gum in Stern Grove.
Why it matters
The effort aims to document the city’s remaining natural landmarks after the 2021 flooding of Stern Grove resulted in the removal of numerous trees. This ongoing search seeks to provide updated records for local environmental assets.
The former benchmark was a 218-foot Tasmanian blue gum located in Stern Grove. The current measurement process relies on manual methods, including a stick and a long tape measure, to verify canopy heights across the city.
The players
Kellan Phillickan
A 7-year-old resident leading an urban research project to identify the tallest tree in San Francisco.
Stern Grove
A historic park in San Francisco that previously hosted the city’s tallest tree before a 2021 flood.
The details
The project involves crisscrossing San Francisco to identify potential candidates that might exceed the city's previous records. To improve the accuracy of these field measurements, the family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to acquire professional-grade measuring equipment. This effort is necessary because the previous record-holder, a Tasmanian blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus), was removed following a 2021 water main break that flooded the grove.
Timeline
2021: A water main break flooded Stern Grove, leading to the removal of the previous tallest tree.
A few months ago: Kellan Phillickan began tree measurement activities at summer camp.
The Tech Race
The project follows the 2021 Stern Grove water main break, which necessitated the removal of the site's previous record-holding specimen. This initiative marks a grassroots attempt to re-establish environmental baselines within the city.
Residents can follow the progress of the tree search as the project moves to replace manual measurement tools with more precise equipment. The initiative highlights the evolving state of the city's canopy following major infrastructure disruptions.
The takeaway
The search highlights how environmental data can change abruptly due to infrastructure events. Readers should look for updates as the team integrates more precise measurement tools to confirm the next record-holder.
Further reading
For more on local plant life and urban ecosystems, visit San Francisco Botany.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NBC Bay Area.
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