LAH tree survey targets eucalyptus, pines

The Los Altos Hills Planning Commission approved an amendment to the zoning ordinance Thursday that would require the removal of eucalyptus trees as a condition of site development approval. The commission added an exception allowing the retention of eucalyptus trees located more than 150 feet from roadways or structures. The draft amendment is scheduled to come before the city council June 22.

The Jan. 1 death of a cyclist, struck by a falling eucalyptus branch during a winter storm, spurred the evaluation of potentially hazardous trees.

In addition to the proposed restriction on new plantings, a townwide survey released in May identified 433 trees in need of removal, pruning or further evaluation along Los Altos Hills roadways, including 70 that present an immediate risk to public safety.