How a plan to remove 43 century-old trees is sparking debate
By Denzen Cortez
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COLUSA, California (KCRA) — A plan to remove 43 century-old American elm trees along two streets in Colusa is drawing opposition from residents who question whether all of them pose a safety risk.
The trees, some estimated to be about 120 years old, line portions of Market and 10th streets.
In a July assessment, a Caltrans arborist recommended removing all 43 trees, citing internal decay, structural concerns, root damage and the potential for falling branches. The report also documented 99 emergency callouts associated with trees along the highway corridor since 2019.
Colusa City Manager Jesse Cain said Caltrans, which maintains the trees within the state highway right-of-way, informed the city that the trees were considered hazardous.
Cain expects removal could begin before the end of November.
But some residents are challenging the state’s findings.
Cynthia and Jim White are among those concerned about losing the trees, which provide shade and help define the city’s landscape.
“We were devastated because it came out of nowhere,” Cynthia White said.
Concerned residents hired consulting arborist Gordon Mann to independently inspect the trees.
Mann disputes the recommendation to remove all 43, saying his ground-level inspection found fewer trees requiring removal and that additional inspections could help determine, which could be preserved.
“More trees can be pruned and mitigated without removal,” Mann said.
Caltrans’ assessment, however, concluded pruning would not address the underlying decay and structural problems.
Cain said Caltrans has agreed to purchase replacement trees, with the goal of planting them by spring 2027. The number, species and locations remain undecided.
Caltrans is expected to address residents at a public meeting Thursday at 3 p.m. at the Colusa Scout Cabin.
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