Peninsula residents bracing for more stormy weather
The windy weather over the weekend left more than just wet road in some areas including the Monterey Peninsula.
With another storm on the way, residents are bracing for some more falling branches and trees.
“Call volume probably doubled, maybe even closer to tripled,” said Andrew Tope, the owner and operator of Tope’s Tree Service Inc. based in the Monterey Peninsula.
Tope and his crews spent much of Monday removing fallen trees and branches, with many of the calls coming from Pacific Grove, Pebble beach and a few in Carmel.
“Depending on where the tree is, it could have a broken limb and present a risk,” he said.
“Last summer, we had some tree work done because there were some dying branches. So that was, I think, money well spent,” said Ken Kobylenski, a Pacific Grove resident.
The Kobylenskis hunkered down at home for most of the weekend, while the high winds and rain barreled through.
“I’ve taken advantage of cleaning my house and the blinds because we did not want to go out, not at all,” said Marissa Kobylenski.
And Tope says all the water getting into the soil could mean more trouble to come for trees.
“The soil gives way, so the roots have nothing to kind of grab onto and keep holding the ground,” he said.
Tope says you should inspect your trees every year, and dead ones should be removed.
“You prune your trees properly, you’re going to prevent broken limbs and it’s very effective doing the right, proper care for your trees,” he said.
But despite the danger and cost, residents know the rain is much needed.
“I’m not complaining at all. We originally moved here from San Jose and we know we need a lot more rain,” said Marissa Kobylenski.
Tope says they responded to at least eight different cases of trees and limbs falling into houses on the peninsula, and they will be ready to respond to more calls this week.
