Dear neighbors,
I am writing to request your thoughts on the issue of Eucalyptus trees in Saratoga.
During the recent March 2023 storm, a large eucalyptus tree fell on top of a van in Portola Valley, crushing its roof and killing the driver. Tragically killed upon impact.
My viewpoint is that these trees pose safety risks that must be addressed. In the past, a falling Eucalyptus tree killed a biker in Palo Alto, and in a recent storm, several trees fell on homes in Saratoga - fortunately no one was hurt - highlighting the urgent need for action to ensure public safety. Angel Island State Park removed all Eucalyptus trees scattered over 80 acres a few years ago due to safety reasons. Today, cities across California are evaluating their tree ordinances and preparing to make adjustments.
I would love to hear from you on this topic… additional datapoint is available below this video. Please consider emailing the Saratoga city council at saratoga_cc@saratoga.ca.us with your feedback. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.
Eucalyptus trees have a history of deadly limb and tree fall incidents, and some California communities have removed them due to safety and extreme fire hazard concerns. It is crucial to protect our property and lives by considering the dangers of these trees that are native to Australia (not California), but have adapted to climates all over the world thanks to their shallow root system., despite their adaptability to various climates worldwide due to their shallow root system. Although these trees have contributed to the incredible character and ambiance of Saratoga, we must prioritize safety. The deciduous bark on the “gums” is a fire hazard, catching fire readily, and carrying fire up into the canopy, casting embers outward.
Here are policy considerations for our city:
Our city urgently needs an urban forestry plan and an updated tree ordinance that takes into account prudent data and works for the safety of our neighbors.
Our city already works closely with the county to send weed abatement notices to residents who may face potential fire hazards due to overgrown yards, driven by a Weed Abatement Saratoga policy. We could consider implementing a similar Eucalyptus abatement strategy, as the recent storm underlines the importance of proactive actions with these trees. I believe this is a mission worth pursuing.
Don't we need a plan to increase the number of native trees in our city? We need more native Category 1, long living, and deep rooted trees. It's imperative that we develop a playbook for our residents to assist in evaluating the health and structural integrity of Eucalyptus trees, utilizing certified arborists whenever feasible, and implementing appropriate measures such as pruning or removal of trees that pose a risk to public safety. In addition, we should consider replacing them with native trees. It's critical to ensure that any trees that are removed for safety reasons are replaced promptly.
In addition, we need to educate our neighbors on taking care of Eucalyptus trees to alleviate both the financial impact and environmental deterioration - such as mulching the trees or to direct gardeners to NOT remove any leaf matter from underneath the canopies. We should also avoid using Round Up that has been banned now and weakens the health of our trees.Additionally, as part of our tree ordinance, we need to establish guidelines for the planting and maintenance of Eucalyptus trees, taking into account factors such as tree species, location, and potential risks, while prioritizing safety and preserving the natural environment and beauty of Saratoga. Do we need to plant any more eucalyptus trees in our community?
One proposal is to waive the permit fees for our neighbors who need to remove Eucalyptus trees that pose a hazard, whether it be due to fire risks or concerns for neighborhood safety..
I appreciate your thoughts and ideas - you can email me Rishi<at>RishiKumar.com
Links
https://www.almanacnews.com/news/2023/03/28/neighbors-call-on-stanford-to-remove-trees-after-man-died-from-tree-that-fell-on-university-owned-land
https://www.kron4.com/news/van-driver-killed-by-falling-tree-in-san-mateo-county/
https://www.mercurynews.com/2023/03/29/saratoga-declares-state-of-emergency-during-latest-storm/
https://www.mercurynews.com/2023/02/06/saratogas-tree-canopy-took-a-big-hit-during-bomb-cyclone/
https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/california/sacramento-tree-canopy-storms/3126947/
https://www.mercurynews.com/2023/03/26/why-trees-turn-deadly/
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In friendship,
🇺🇸 Rishi Kumar 🇺🇸
Candidate for United States Congress, Silicon Valley’s CD16
www.RishiKumar.com
Phone 408 805 5993
Rishi, you have hit the nail on the head. Especially in a suburb like ours which is nestled in the native trees, we should be aggressively getting rid of non-native plants, especially eucalyptus trees. They are a fire hazard and prone to falling over, often with tragic results.
Hi Rishi, I support this ordinance. I suggest we broaden beyond Eucalyptus tree. Saratoga’s arborists should routinely inspect trees that pose a threat/danger to owners and/or neighbors and send specific actions to be taken by the owner. Non compliance could be held against owner in court of law.