Closer to home: Why are eucalyptus trees disappearing?

I’m guessing everyone has been stuck in traffic due to tree work and has noticed that eucalyptus trees are being cut down everywhere along Sonoma County roads.

This disruption of the road and systematic removal of eucalyptus trees is the result of a decision by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors to remove all eucalyptus trees considered to be within the “county road” zone. These trees have been labeled as dangerous, prone to branch breakage and a fire hazard. All of these things may be true in certain situations and locations.

However, my experience is very different. Near my home there are 20 tall and spectacular eucalyptus trees. In these trees nest a family of red-tailed hawks, great horned owls and countless other tree-dwelling birds and wildlife.

I have lived near these trees for 38 years and have never seen a branch or tree fall. I live in the southern Sonoma Valley, and it is famous for its wind. Wind gusts can reach 25 mph regularly, and I have never had a branch or tree fall.

Recently, these trees were marked for removal at the behest of the county. Through the Public Records Act, I received a document showing that Sonoma County hired a certified horticulture company to inspect these 20 trees. The entire document stated that five of the trees needed “no attention at all” and the remaining 15 trees needed pruning. Removal of the trees was not recommended. Sonoma County paid for and received expert advice and chose to ignore the document and the tax money spent.

I have argued that this issue is a waste of additional tax dollars to the highest levels of staff, the Sonoma County Transportation and Public Works Supervisor. This effort did not come with any commitment to me or the neighbors who support us. Pruning is not an option, according to our county; the trees will be removed.

So the next time you’re stuck in traffic behind a tree project, know that your county’s tax dollars are hard at work, and raptors and other birds will be looking for a new tree to build their nest and raise their young.

PJ Leonard is a Sonoma resident.

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