Saving Juby!

The rescue of a century-old Chilean Wine Palm

This is the story of saving the life of a century-old Chilean Wine Palm. This endangered tree, Jubaea chilensis, as the name implies, is native to the South American country of Chile. We found this tree in Hayward, California. "Juby" as we affectionately came to call her, was about to be executed by her owners. Fortunately, the demo guys recognized her allure and gave us a call. Golden Gate Palms transplanted her to our demonstration garden in Point Richmond. But this gal wasn't easy; her weight made her nearly impossible to move.

A vestige of an early California homestead, Juby towered over the rooftops of a circa 1950's Hayward subdivision.

How to make a 50' tall, 45,000 lb. plant fly 80' over a house is not an easy task, but we did it. Rare in it's native habitat near Santiago, Chile (because it's trunks are prized for wine making), it is nearly unheard of in the Bay Area. How a California farmer came across a seed from such far away lands remains a mystery. But the tree had to be saved, at all costs.

Step 1: Dig

The first step was to carefully hand dig her root ball. Juby's owner watches as we mount our rescue effort. Juby was wedged in the side yard between two houses. We came within inches of the patio cover when lifting Juby out.

Step 2: Lift

Using a 200-ton crane, the largest crane allowed in a residential neighborhood, we lifted all 45,000 lbs of her from the backyard, over the rooftop into the front yard, to the street, 80' away from her home of 100 years.

Step 3: Fly

It's a U.F.P!!!

Step 4: Land

It's not often a palm as large as this flies through the sky like a bird. We lovingly set her down on the street, carefully avoiding the overhead power lines. Juby flexes her massive trunk - she's a Big Girl!

Step 5: Haul

We loaded Juby on an extra long flat bed truck and drove up 580 to Golden Gate Palms.

Crazy Palm Man Gary Gragg is a little bit excited to finally score a mature Wine Palm for his Golden Gate Palms Point Richmond Demo Garden. This is, by far, Gary's favorite species of tree in the World. Time to get out the big "Not For Sale" sign!

Step 6: Plant

After safely arriving in Point Richmond, our crane hoists her into a pre-dug hole.

Introducing "JUBY THE JUBAEA"

The Tallest Wine Palm in Contra Costa County.

Happy to be in her new home, Juby now smiles down at all the souls who drive along Highway 580 imparting a happy vibe to all.