Boulder Creek residents fill potholes with trees

Boulder Creek is taking an interesting approach to solving an unwanted problem, potholes.

The Boulder Creek community has started planting trees in pot holes to protest the poor condition of the streets there. The trees are equipped with lights making them more visible to drivers.

On Monday morning, a Facebook post showed a picture of a tree planted in the middle of Grove Street in Boulder Creek with a caption that said “We need at least 20 more trees for our road.”

“I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Calvin Chacon, visiting from Los Angeles.

Residents put the trees in so people wouldn’t drive into the potholes and to let the country know its not doing enough to solve this problem.

“I have to swerve out of the way all the time and avoid getting into a wreck at the same time. I have low profile tires so I mean when I hit the pothole it is like my whole car is about to break,” said Whitney Crites, Boulder Creek resident.

“You know even though I have a big truck and stuff, it’s like boom, boom, boom! It would be nice if they would fix it, but what are we going to do?” asked Boulder Creek resident Charles.

Santa Cruz County has noticed this Christmas tree trend.

“Well as a way of letting us know there is a pothole there, it is not the best way in the world, but it is funny. There are better things you can do and one way is to download the citizens connect app,” said Jason Hoppin, Communications Manager for Santa Cruz County.

The county recently did do some work on several roads throughout Boulder Creek, but a spokesperson admits it takes time to fix everything.

Until then, the Christmas tree is a reminder of road improvements that have yet to be delivered.