Army Corps to remove only hazardous trees during Phase-2 debris removal in Eaton scar area

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger this week provided more information about how the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would handle trees on private properties during Phase-2 debris removal.

Here are the key takeaways:

Only hazardous trees posing a threat to public safety are considered for removal. Army Corps arborists will assess trees based on their canopy and root damage, fall zones, and the likelihood of death within five years.
Before debris removal begins on a private property, Army Corps teams and contractors will do a walkthrough with the property owner. The property owner will be consulted about trees on their property and their signed consent will be required before any tree is removed.
The Army Corps said that not all marked trees will be removed. Trees deemed a hazard will be designated with a bar code and three blue dots. On return of entry forms, property owners can indicate their preference to have their trees be untouched during debris removal.

Diagram showing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' markings of hazardous trees in Eaton Fire burn area. (Courtesy of USACE) — Diagram showing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ markings of hazardous trees in Eaton fire burn area. (Courtesy of USACE)

Barger said she strongly opposes the cutting down of trees in Altadena and said she had been assured that property owners would be given at least five days advance notice before debris removal begins along with the opportunity to understand whether a tree on their property has been deemed unsafe or requires removal.

“I have reiterated my expectations to the Corps that these decisions must be made carefully, with thorough communication to property owners to prevent any removals without engagement and support,” Barger said in a statement. “Trees are a defining feature of Altadena’s character, and I fully support every effort to preserve them. Every possible action must be taken to protect these precious community assets.”