Watch: Why Are Trees Falling All Across California?
Written by Jesse RogalaPublished Jan. 12, 2023 • 4:00pm
California
SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 10: A tree service worker uses a chain saw to dismantle a fallen redwood tree which floated down the flooded San Lorenzo River during recent flooding on January 10, 2022 in Santa Cruz, California. The San Francisco Bay Area and much of Northern California continues to get drenched by powerful atmospheric river events that have brought high winds and flooding rains. The storms have toppled trees, flooded roads and cut power to tens of thousands. Storms are lined up over the Pacific Ocean and are expected to bring more rain and wind through the end of the week. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
As torrential rains sweep California, causing flooding, mudslides and major property damage, residents are experiencing another unsettling phenomenon: Trees are toppling over in huge numbers all across the state.
In San Francisco, 287 trees were reported to have fallen in the first seven days of the new year, compared to only 27 in the entire month of January 2022.
So what is causing this major jump in arboreal accidents?
Watch the video above for a breakdown on the factors causing trees to fall in greater and greater numbers.
Jesse Rogala can be reached at [email protected]
