Every wildfire season, residents are reminded that the Bay Area is one wind event away from another devastating fire. While there are many factors that contribute to wildfire danger, one recurring concern is the presence of eucalyptus trees in high-risk areas. Originally imported from Australia in the 1800s, eucalyptus trees are now common throughout parts of Contra Costa County and the East Bay. While admired by some for their appearance and shade, they also have characteristics that firefighters and fire experts have long identified as potential wildfire hazards. Eucalyptus leaves contain highly flammable oils that can ignite easily. Their bark peels away in long strips that can become burning embers during a fire, allowing flames to spread beyond the main fire front. The trees also shed large amounts of dry leaves and bark, creating additional fuel on the ground. Those characteristics have made eucalyptus a focus of wildfire mitigation efforts in parts of the East Bay for years. Following disasters such as the 1991 Oakland Hills Fire, many fire agencies have supported removing or thinning eucalyptus trees in areas where they could contribute to extreme fire behavior. Supporters of removal argue that replacing eucalyptus with native, less fire-prone vegetation can reduce wildfire intensity while also improving long-term forest health. They say proactive vegetation management is far less costly than responding to catastrophic wildfires. Not everyone agrees. Some residents value eucalyptus trees for their beauty, shade, wildlife habitat, and historical significance, and opponents of widespread removal argue that proper maintenance and fuel reduction can address many fire concerns without cutting down mature trees.
QUESTION: Do you think eucalyptus trees should be removed in high-risk fire areas?
YUP
I remember when the eucalyptus tree fell on the Pioneer Inn restaurant in Clayton and ever since then I thought it was a bad idea to let them grow out of control due to the wide-spreading shallow lateral root systems especially around buildings or lining streets.
@Steve
The tree fell at The Village Market in Clayton, and I was in there at the time. At first I thought it was an earthquake. It hit a car and made the loudest sound.
People love their trees. There are pines growing very tall in my neighborhood which 20 years ago folks would have have them trimmed or topped. Now the cost of having that done has become equally tall and now they can’t afford it.
Yes! No question! Alameda County has been doing it for years – I’ve had meetings with the WC city staff and CCC Fire on several occasions for at least the last 5 yrs. WC City Staff has been telling me they are “developing a plan” for the last 5 yrs…. I’ve asked to see this “plan” – there is none. The “gasoline trees” (CCC Fire term not mine) along the CCC trail on Boundary Oak’s city property are prime candidates for removal – if there were a fire embers and ash would be blown by Diablo winds on the surrounding homes. This was CCC Fire’s statement. Instead of eucalyptus tree removal the city spent $2M+ on upgrading their golf range. Despite the obvious hazard and discussions, the city of WC won’t do anything and CCC Fire won’t commit to issuing a hazard abatement or even a recommendation for removal. Would this be a candidate for the CCC Grand Jury to look into? Would others get involved? Very frustrating….
On 116 between Highway 37 and Petaluma, there’s a stretch of these trees and a sign that says to watch out for falling trees. So many of them have fallen on their own, and some have been removed; however, they ALL need to be removed.
Lived in a house in Oakland that was partially made from eucalyptus lumber some genius thought was a great idea at the turn of the century. Cracky, creeky, constantly changing shape. The only thing it had going for it was the bugs didn’t care for it much.
There are several eucalyptus trees along Mt. Diablo Creek in the area by Lydia Lane Park that is a residential area. Some of the trees have been removed or have fallen down; the rest should be removed ASAP.
Eucalyptus should be eradicated from wildlands in California. They’re too flammable to have around.
Yes, it would be a good idea to remove eucalyptus trees from high-risk fire areas but even if they agree to remove them it doesn’t always happen. After the 1991 Oakland hills fire they had agreed to remove the eucalyptus trees in the area but it hasn’t happened.
Yes, they should be removed in high fire risk areas.
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The U.S. Forrest Service planted a grove of 40 species of eucalyptus trees on the inland portion of the former CNWS back in 1965 and 1966. Only 30% survived the first year and only 15% survived 2-3 years. The 10% of the most successful species planted had an 80%+ survival rate.