A monstrous branch from an oak tree estimated to be 300 years old toppled a rooftop on Wednesday, Sept. 6, on Buckeye Street in Clearlake. No injuries were reported in the incident, however extensive damage to the residence was caused.
The doublewide modular home of Bob and Jan Sanders suffered massive damage to the roof, leaving the home inhabitable. A set of capable guard dogs are currently on duty protecting the Sanders” property.
Although the incident has displaced the couple, the Sanders are very grateful that no one was injured in the event. “My little granddaughter just left not more than 10 minutes before it happened,” said an emotional Jan Sanders. “The tree branch came down right where she had been sitting.”
The tree had been a concern for the Sanders for some time and they were currently in the process of collecting estimates for its removal. Although Jan Sanders said Wednesday”s incident had come as a bit of a surprise because there was little wind that day and the ground was not saturated, which are common concerns in regard to tree stability, local arborist Dave Cavagna of Cavagna Tree Service, said that such an event is not unusual.
“Oak trees are predisposed to internal cracks,” explained Cavagna. “Unfortunately, in the hot summers the wood dries out and the cracks spread, especially in the hot summer afternoons. But, it can happen at anytime.”
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
