In a quiet neighborhood of Gilbert, a battle over the future of eucalyptus trees has sparked once more, highlighting the tension between safety and community aesthetics. The trees, which have stood for decades, are at the center of a debate between town officials and local residents.
Since 1996, the town has intermittently attempted to remove these trees from the College Park Country Estates area, concerned that falling branches could potentially cause harm. Although the initiative was previously put on hold due to resident protests, recent incidents have brought the issue back into focus.
Approximately 40 eucalyptus trees, treasured for their shade and beauty, are perceived by the town as a safety hazard. “If a limb were to drop on a person or a pet, it would cause significant injury if not kill someone,” explained Jessica Marlow, the public works director. “We have a responsibility to mitigate that risk as best we can, which would mean removing just those trees.”
Despite these concerns, residents like Brendyn Wood are once again raising their voices against the removals. Wood questions the expertise of the decision-makers, stating, “You know they’re saying that these trees are a hazard. And, you know, this is the streets department saying this, the streets department is not qualified to deem the tree a hazard.”
The town is working with homeowners to accept maintenance responsibility and liability for trees adjacent to their property, providing an alternative solution to the issue.
In light of the ongoing discussions, the Town Council has decided to postpone any tree removal actions until at least March 2025, allowing more time for dialogue and potential compromise.
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