Resident is Appealing Tree Ordinance Ruling that Bars Tree Removal

Fred Railsback is worried about the safety of his grandchild who, when visiting Benicia, sleeps in a bedroom that would sustain heavy damage if a large eucalyptus tree on Railsback’s property were to fall on it.

Last October Railsback asked the city for approval to remove two eucalyptus trees from his property.  The Benicia Herald reports that the city denied Railsback’s request.

“One of my trees has a huge limb hanging over one of my bedrooms,” said Railsback.

The Benicia Tree ordinance allows for removal of a protected tree if the person removing the tree agrees to either replace the tree being removed according to a specific formula or putting money in a tree replacement fund.

Railsback says he is prepared to replace both the non-native eucalyptus trees he proposes to remove from his property with oak trees that are native to California.

“It’s just common sense to be proactive about this,” said Railsback.  “I’m following the protocol.”

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If there’s something in this article you think should be corrected, or if something else is amiss, call editor JB Davis at 707-628-0051 or email him at benicia@patch.com.