The tree, which started growing around the turn of the 17th century, was toppled in 2022, from a combination of disease and a long history of vandalism and government neglect.

[4] The tree dates back to December 1857 when it was used as the natural boundary marker in Mexican surveys to show the extent of Rancho San Pedro.

[5] However, the Standard Oil Company of California (now Chevron Corporation) found that the best place to drill was along the border of the former ranch, meaning that the tree would have to be removed.

[8] On April 7, 2022, at approximately 9:20 p.m., the Eagle Tree's main trunk fell over and crushed a car parked behind the apartment it covered.

[2][3] The 7 short tons (6,400 kg) trunk was preserved and is located in a space adjacent to the Chevron property, where it is in holding while plans are being made to display it as a historic resource.

[8][9] Arroyo decided to take care of the new growths, but Chevron asked him to take the fence protecting the plants down within a year, as it was blocking access to their property.

Chevron explained that the clone tree had the fusarium dieback disease transmitted by a tea shot-hole borer and had to be removed.