Brian London and Justin Ivy wrote to tell us that half of a large Douglas Fir fell earlier today at 46th and Eastern, due to the high winds. The fallen tree is blocking 46th, so folks, be careful driving around there!
Update from Brian at 4:51: Someone cut part of the tree away and SDOT came out and cordoned off the sidewalk but they left the rest, presumably because they need more equipment to safely remove the heavier, higher up portion.
Just missed hitting that kid in the striped shirt. Close call.
A large tree fell down on Densmore near 37th street several weeks back, also. It was very lucky that it didn’t do any serious home damage, or hurt anyone. Is it possible to tell when a tree is at risk of falling over?
Taken from Google’s street view, I believe this is the tree:
http://i.imgur.com/XXjFG.jpg
It fell back, away from the street, between the two houses.
In my experience, having trees – large and small – evaluated periodically by a professional is good practice, like the Parks and Rec Department does at city parks so it is less likely that a limb or tree will fall. Checking that limbs attach to tree trunks cleanly is especially important. Another category of routine maintenance for homeowner or landlord. My family employs a certified arborist every few years and sometimes near neighbors need services too so the person or crew gets a full day of work and we get safety and beauty in this little urban forest called Wallingford.
Nancy Merrill
SDOT Volunteer Tree Steward
It’s Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood Tree Planting Project
I think the kid in the striped shirt pulled the tree over.