Thinning tree density. 

Clearing branches away from infrastructure. 

Removing dead wood from the crown. 

Needless to say, trees grow and change over time.  What may be less obvious is that when trees are located near buildings, roads, utility lines, or other types of development, they require regular maintenance to reduce various hazards, including the spread of wildland fire.    

A 1.5 acre grove of Monterey cypress behind homes on Bridgeport Drive in El Granada is scheduled for thinning later this summer.  The majority of the trees are located on open space owned by the Cabrillo School District with the northern portion extending approximately 75 feet onto lands that were recently transferred to Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA). CALFire will be the lead agency for this project, working cooperatively with GGNRA, since the school district property is within State Responsibility Area (SRA).  CALFire will utilize their Conservation Camp Crews to complete the project over a 3 day period. Lower limbs will be removed up to 10 feet off the ground; dead wood will be removed from the tree crowns; and vegetation debris will be chipped and left onsite as mulch.  The work will be scheduled sometime after July 31 to avoid bird nesting season.  

Many groves of non-native, ornamental trees such as Monterey cypress, trace back to a single row planted some time in the past. Gradually, the original planting expands outward as new trees become established from seedlings. As they age, cypress also accumulate dead wood in the crown, which increases their flammability.  

Monterey cypress trees are actively managed in the historic forest at the San Francisco Presidio, Presidio Trust photo

An example of a much larger original planting is the 300-acre historic forest which is a central feature of the Presidio National Historic Landmark District. These trees are part of an extensive forest management program.

Meanwhile, San Mateo County Parks is also developing a Cypress Forest Management Plan for trees at the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve.   

Most Monterey cypress trees found in California are the result of human planting.  Monterey cypress only occurs naturally in two stands in Monterey County.

TOP BANNER PHOTO: Deadwood has accumulated in an old grove of Monterey cypress behind homes on Bridgeport Drive (See dark green trees on the right side of aerial photo, courtesy of Google Earth).