The 100-foot heritage oak tree, nicknamed "Granny" is standing in the way of a new water pipeline, according to the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission.
The utility moved in last May to cut the giant oak down, but neighbors and activists staged a protest, urging the SFPUC to consider other alternatives.
The latest plan is to tunnel under the tree and find someone to maintain both the tree and the two acres surrounding it.
A meeting is scheduled later this week to consider the matter.