Emergency tree removal on Hwy 68 ahead of storm

Between Skyline Forest Drive and CHOMP on Hwy 68, Caltrans removed rotted and leaning trees piece by piece before another storm hits.

“We can’t predict Mother Nature,” said Victor Magpusal with Caltrans .

Caltrans said diseased trees combined with heavy wind and rain could be a dangerous situation.

“The grounds so saturated and with the winds we have no control,” said Magpusal . “It’s so wet so some topple over and some just fall over on their own.”

Skyline Forest residents said they know all about that. A few weeks ago an uprooted tree became a deadly situation for a neighbor.

“About 5:30 in the morning she was driving to work and a tree fell over, hit her car and she was apparently instantly dead, said Skyline Forest resident Peter Armbrust .

Some of them have to go through great lengths to take care of trees that are potentially dangerous and weak.

“I saved my tree by getting an injection of a pesticide for $480 dollars,” said Skyline Forest resident William.

Residents told KION as much as they love the pines, they create a lot of worry.

“These Monterey Pines are a total nuisance,” said Armbrust . “We would like to take a few trees down but the city won’t let us on our own property because they’re healthy. I’m concerned about trees that are leaning over. If you walk down the street you can see a bunch of trees that are leaning over in the street.”

Caltrans said they will be on standby to tackle trees that have or are about to give way.

“Just be aware of your surroundings,” said Magpusal .

Caltrans also said they are working on Hwy 101 and 156.