After several accidents involving eucalyptus trees, experts weigh in on the inherent dangers of this tree species. NBC 7’s Artie Ojeda reports.
Thousands of eucalyptus trees dot San Diego County, and with them, come hazards.
After a storm moved through the region on Monday, a eucalyptus snapped in Rancho Bernardo and another one fell off Carroll Canyon Road at Interstate 15.
And on Wednesday afternoon, a Miramar Ranch Elementary School teacher was hit by a falling tree branch, suffering serious injuries.
The culprit behind the withering trees was a pest infestation four years by the Lerp Syllid that took a toll on the tree species.
Still, the city’s urban forester said this is not an issue specific to eucalyptus trees. He said trees fail for a variety of reasons, such as poor branch structure or decay.
Rain and strong winds certainly played a factor, and officials said the city has increased its pruning budget and arborists are looking for any signs of trouble.
"When you see trees look very sparse up top. When the leaves look very small and withered, that's not a good sign," said Jeff Nelson of South Coast Tree Service.
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So are residents concerned being in the area of these trees?
Several Scripps Ranch residents told NBC 7 they weren’t worried about the trees causing damage.
“I realize that every time we do have a storm here, there are definitely trees that fall here,” said Scripps Ranch resident Abbie Whynot, who brought her young children to Hoyt Park on Thursday. “But I don’t personally feel it’s a danger to myself or my kids.”
A group of neighbors in Scripps Ranch, however, recently chipped in to cut back eucalyptus trees in their yards because the trees were posing a fire hazard.