Description
We are contacting you to express our concern about the grove of eucalyptus trees that line the Alta Loma Park behind our house on Del Monte Avenue. In light of the recent problems the storms are having on eucalyptus trees throughout the Bay Area, we can't sit back any longer but must reach out to the City of South San Francisco and ask if there is a plan for these trees: inspection, maintenance, removal. Most importantly we have the right to know if they are SAFE! WE ARE CONCERNED THESE TREES NEED TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE A DISASTER HAPPENS. IT ONLY TAKES ONE TREE OR LIMB TO COME DOWN ON A HOUSE, WALKER OR BASEBALL PLAYER IN THE PARK TO CAUSE A TRAGEDY.
4 Comments
City of South San Francisco (Verified Official)
Acknowledged City of South San Francisco (Verified Official)
Parks Supervisor (Verified Official)
These trees were most recently assessed by independent Arborists in the summer of 2022. Of the 88 Eucalyptus trees in the stand 86 were rated in 'Fair' condition, while one each of the smaller trees were rated in 'Poor' and 'Good' condition. Large tree routine maintenance was recommended for the trees - none were recommended to be removed.
The City has inspected these trees more recently (early 2023) with several of our on-staff Arborists and our findings are in line with the inventory performed last summer. We will be seeking a more in-depth assessment of these particular trees by independent arborists in the near future due to the recent failure of a tree on the end of the row near the Camaritas parking lot in our recent extraordinary storm season. Appropriate responses will be taken based on a consensus of our in-house Arborists and the assessments and recommendations made by independent Arborists.
These trees have stood up to everything thrown at them over their decades of life and have recently proven their strength, standing up to soils that have been saturated with water for months on end combined with freak wind storms with recorded gusts at 75-80mph - a highly unusual and dangerous combination. This grove provides a valuable service as a wind break to the park and are an iconic part of the landscape. It is our goal to preserve these trees as long as is safely possible.
City of South San Francisco (Verified Official)