Diseased Eucalyptus trees to be removed from South County

Starting this week, hundreds of Eucalyptus trees on Highway 101 between Greenfield and King City are coming down. It’s because the century old trees pose a risk to public safety.

“A historic treasure and I’m going to be very sad when they’re gone,” said King City council member Karen Jernigan.

These Eucalyptus trees were planted more than 100 years ago to create a wind break for farmers in the area. But, what used to help could now do harm. Around California, Eucalyptus trees have dropped limbs on people and cars. In one case, a woman driving an SUV was killed.

Longtime resident Sal Miranda saw those trees as a landmark, knowing he was close to home.

“Coming from Salinas to King City is like, you know you’re home when you see those trees,” Miranda said. “You know know you’re one exit away.”

Though he was stumped why they had to be torn out, rather than trimmed back. He says he doesn’t recall a tree ever coming down.

King City council member Karen Jernigan fought to keep the trees, but she says she knows lives mean more than tree limbs. She now wants to branch out and find new ways to replace the old trees.

“I would love to see something put in its place and whether that’s a different kind of tree,” Jernigan explained, “Whether that’s a native shrub, my preference would be to see that area covered in California poppies.”

Caltrans expects the removal process to take five months. This past June, Caltrans crews removed diseased or dead pine trees near Carmel and the Carmel Highlands.