Guest Opinion: Eucalyptus tree removal a good thing Guest Opinion: Eucalyptus tree removal a good thing (December 28, 2005)

By Ralph Osterling

The Almanac's December 14 Viewpoint states Woodside's eucalyptus tree issues reasonably well and further concludes that Monterey pine and acacia should also be phased out of the town's landscape.

I agree. Each of these species is non-native, fast growing, an aggressive seed producer, and readily will out-compete the native species and especially the oaks when they are mature. Equally problematic is their propensity to drop heavy branches without warning and the fuel loading, which adds to the fire hazard. How soon we forgot the 2002 fire on Albion that started a roof fire nearly one-half mile away.

As the registered professional forester who obtained the permit to remove the trees on the Siebel property, I can only commend the town staff for their farsighted wisdom to issue the permit. The "wisdom" that since has brought the flurry of comments is, in my professional opinion, unfounded.

The eucalyptus trees on the Siebel property were initially planted approximately 130 years ago and since dropped seed and expanded their numbers. With the plethora of eucalyptus in Woodside, the views and treescape of the town has changed dramatically from the original oak woodland character.

In addition, eucalyptus trees create a serious fire and fuel loading condition. The high content of very flammable oils in the bark and leaves can easily result in flame heights in excess of double the tree heights. I can only imagine the comments from the Woodside Fire Protection District staff during a conflagration.

Noteworthy are the ecological impacts of eucalyptus trees that have been overlooked. The oils in the leaves and bark inhibit or suppress the native plant community from regenerating, save poison oak. Citizens can look for themselves in the area across from the Siebel property between Portola Road and La Honda Road where the eucalyptus continue to thrive and the native plants suffer.

Woodside is an environmentally sensitive town, and only with good leadership will it continue to maintain or improve its ambience. In my professional opinion the Siebels should be complimented for being proactive to improve their property and the town by getting rid of this nuisance. My compliments also to Town Planner Hope Sullivan and her staff for their foresight. I trust other property owners will follow their sage leadership. Ralph Osterling is a professional forester whose office is in San Mateo.

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