A CALIFORNIAN Redwood, number 27 on the Churches Walk in Centennial Park behind the old Hospital façade, is being felled today for safety reasons after being hit by a lightning strike early this morning.

Indigo Shire contractor and arborist Ryan Bradshaw said the way the tree had split all the way from to the bottom the tree meant it was no longer viable to retain.

Mr Bradshaw said council had advised the Sequoia was one of the tallest trees in Beechworth.

“Mother Nature can be very cruel sometimes,” he said.

He said removal had to quickly take place as the tree was in such a high-profile public area.

Mr Bradshaw said council would try to have the redwood repurposed.

“It’s a really good idea when you get these unfortunate events if we can utilise what we can back into the community," he said.

He said maybe the council will put the feelers out to some local artists.