Appreciation for art is deeply rooted in La Conner, but spray-painted graffiti on a large tree near the skate park off North Sixth Street doesn’t make the cut.

Either with critics or the public at large.

La Conner residents were upset Sunday to find the north side of the thick, multi-branched oak – long admired for its colorful autumn leaves and collection of acorns at its base – tagged with several symbols and icons, the most notable being the 360 area code.

Many in La Conner consider it their favorite tree and are hopeful the paint can be removed without damaging its bark.

“It’s a La Conner landmark, for sure,” Kathryn Aiken told the Weekly News. “It would be neat to learn how old it is.”

Aiken photographed the graffiti and posted the images on social media, asking for advice on how the situation can best be remedied.

The response was immediate, many angry that the tree had been defaced. Unlike a billboard or concrete wall, a tree can’t be stripped or painted over.

Removing paint safely and effectively from a tree is far more complicated. Some paints can cause toxic damage to trees and clog porous tissue necessary for tree respiration.

“It’s critical,” Aiken stressed, “to see if the graffiti can be removed.”

Aiken was advised to consult an arborist for solutions. One respondent, Ashylnn Dennis, whose husband is a certified arborist, suggested using a citrus-based biodegradable degreaser and soft nylon brush.

Aiken said she is willing to do what it takes to solve the problem.

“I am happy to volunteer or help organize actions to preserve the tree,” she said.

Aiken likely won’t be alone on that score.

“That tree is special to our community,” said Arin Magill, “a favorite to many of us. Seeing this is heartbreaking, not to mention a disgusting act of selfish vandalism.”