Campus & community, Campus news

Hazardous eucalyptus trees slated for removal

By Christine Shaff

Today (Monday, March 22) work crews will begin removing seven trees from the large eucalyptus grove near the west entrance to campus. After careful assessment by professional arborists, it has been determined that these trees present a significant public safety hazard due to their failing health and weakened root structures.

Campus landscape professionals, aided by outside registered consulting arborists, have been monitoring the health of the eucalyptus grove since 2002. They have determined that due to root decay, these trees are in danger of falling on adjacent walkways, roads or campus buildings. The trees are being removed as a matter of public safety.

The trees slated for removal will not be immediately replaced in order to allow campus landscape professionals to fully analyze the condition of the soil and its ability to support new trees. The area will not be used as a site for future buildings, as it is part of the Grinnell Natural Area which has long been designated and preserved as open space. For more detail, please see university’s Long Range Development Plan and other campus planning documents noted below.

Campus landscape professionals will continue to monitor the grove for weakened trees. Any additional eucalyptus trees that present a hazard to public safety may also be removed.

The eucalyptus grove was originally planted by campus staff in 1877 as a wind break for a running track located in the area currently occupied by the Life Sciences Addition building.

Questions about this safety project should be directed to UC Berkeley Facilities Services at 643-4793.

Related campus planning documents: