Circus Tree
The Circus Trees were originally grown and created by Axel Erlandson, son of a Swedish immigrant. Inspired by observing a natural graft between two sycamore trees, Erlandson began to shape trees using intricate techniques. His techniques resulted in woven wonders made from living wood. The branches were carefully bent, rather than cut, and became complex and compound designs.
Erlandson planted the “Four-Legged Giant” surprising his family when he brought the four trees together into one. In 1946, Erlandson moved his family and his trees to Scotts Valley, CA. A year later he opened the “Tree Circus” for locals and tourists to experience the wonder of the “World’s Strangest Trees.” By 1957, Erlandson had created more than 70 unique trees. Ripley’s Believe it or Not featured them in the 40’s and 50’s. In 1957 a Life magazine article gave the trees notoriety. After Erlandson’s death in 1964, they became part of a Scotts Valley attraction known as “The Lost World”. In 1977 the property was sold with only 40 trees surviving.
