60 MPH high wind smashed so many live oak trees in central California

[jkk04]

January 7, 2023, it was high wind, more than 60 MPH that caused so many beautiful live oak trees to fall down during the night in central California.
Sooo Shame...

Of course, I can cut the trees and split them with a log splitter for firewood but it is too much for next year..
I might sell some odd firewood to the neighbors.
As you know, the live oak tree's firewood is best...
Jkim

 

[Jstpssng]

You guys really got hammered out there, and it looks like there's more coming tomorrow.

 

[oldnslo]

Are you also receiving the heavy rains in your area? Have seen reports on heavy rains but did not pay close attention as to what parts of the state were affected.

 

[jkk04]

Are you also receiving the heavy rains in your area? Have seen reports on heavy rains but did not pay close attention as to what parts of the state were affected.

Fortunately, there was not much rain last night but I am very concerned about power outages.
We already had 2 days in a row without power in 5 days due to the high wind.
The generator ready is necessary in central California.

Jkk

 

[Eagle1]

Wait I thought they are outlawing small internal combustion engines....

 

[ponytug]

@jkk04 So sorry about your beautiful oaks!

I spent the day clearing drains and generally getting ready for tonight's storm. After three years of not much rain, it is a little hard to figure where the weak points are now. We have springs popping up all over as the soil is saturated, which doesn't bode well for the trees here. So I worry about something similar happening here, too.

Time will tell.

Batteries are charged and the generators are on standby.

All the best,

Peter

 

[ericm979]

We're supposed to see 80 mph gusts tonight and another 5 inches of rain. Power's been out since Wednesday. PG&E says they're working on it (again). Maybe they'll fix it before the next storm hits later tonight.

 

[groundcover]

What a shame ! No damage to your house though ?

 

[dfkrug]

Sorry to hear of all those downed oak trees. 60MPH. Wow.

No big problems here, yet, but the next 24-48 hours are gonna be interesting. My creek is roaring, and one swale is at a volume not seen since FEB, 2017, our year of mudslides.

BTW, I gave away more than 12 pickup truck loads of cut and seasoned, but not split, firewood in the past year. I only burn 2.5 cords in a season, and some types (tan oak and bay laurel) get eaten up by beetle larvae if I don't burn them in 2 years.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

January 7, 2023, it was high wind, more than 60 MPH that caused so many beautiful live oak trees to fall down during the night in central California.
Sooo Shame...

Of course, I can cut the trees and split them with a log splitter for firewood but it is too much for next year..
I might sell some odd firewood to the neighbors.
As you know, the live oak tree's firewood is best...
Jkim

We get high straightline winds out of at least one storm every summer. Falling trees are, for the most part, why I keep having giant slash burns every year. I'm still trying to catch up to all the windfalls from 2019, the year my mother died.

 

[ponytug]

We're supposed to see 80 mph gusts tonight and another 5 inches of rain. Power's been out since Wednesday. PG&E says they're working on it (again). Maybe they'll fix it before the next storm hits later tonight.

Sorry to hear it. I hope tonight's storm goes ok for you. The forecast is pretty intense.

With the saturated soils, and high winds, I wonder how many trees will come down.

All the best, Peter

 

[Billy Bee]

I thought burning wood for home heating was outlawed in California.

 

[3Ts]

Live oaks are unique and should be in their own category. Their grain pattern is swirly and not straight like the white & red oaks. Because of this, the old wooden ship builders over in the New England area would go "Live Oaking" after a storm in the Virginia and Carolina areas. They especially were after the crotch between the main trunk and a major branch to use as the joint between the hull and the deck. Very strong. I also believe "old ironsides" planking was live oak.

The swirly grain is difficult to deal with in furniture making so the only time you'll find it in furniture is when a homeowner makes something with it.

 

[Langanobob]

Are live oaks any good for lumber? Could you get someone with a Woodmizer or similar portable sawmill to mill some of it? (I posted this before seeing 3Ts’ post above)

January 7, 2023, it was high wind, more than 60 MPH that caused so many beautiful live oak trees to fall down during the night in central California.
Sooo Shame...

Of course, I can cut the trees and split them with a log splitter for firewood but it is too much for next year..
I might sell some odd firewood to the neighbors.
As you know, the live oak tree's firewood is best...
Jkim

 

[cqaigy2]

Glad you are alright, sorry about your oaks. Fortunately for us, that pineapple seems to have stayed south.

 

[TractorTYMe]

We got hit in NW MT two storms six months apart with 80+ mph wind gusts, this is Jan 2021. I lost my carport (2nd time) and my 2019 Suzuki Kingquad 500 and my wife's uncle polebarn that was 4 months old, two last ones are from May 2020 where I lost my carport (1st time and two vehicles.)

 

[jkk04]

You guys really got hammered out there, and it looks like there's more coming tomorrow.

We got hit in NW MT two storms six months apart with 80+ mph wind gusts, this is Jan 2021. I lost my carport (2nd time) and my 2019 Suzuki Kingquad 500 and my wife's uncle polebarn that was 4 months old, two last ones are from May 2020 where I lost my carport (1st time and two vehicles.)
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It is not good looking.

That is the reason I got rid of many tall pine trees near my house.

Thank you for sharing the pictures.
Jkk

 

[jkk04]

I thought burning wood for home heating was outlawed in California.

Yes! some big city like San Francisco,

Not for rural area in CA

 

[jkk04]

Wait I thought they are outlawing small internal combustion engines....

Until 2024 not for now.

But it is still controversial.

The law could be changed due to battery powered equipmenmore is more expensive and less efficient than gas-powered equipment.

Also, the gas power equipment can still operate if purchased before 2024.

Hope the governor listens to the people.

jkk

 

[two_bit_score]

Pine trees are no good for shade. Never understood why people like having pines in their yard.

To me they are only good for lumber and utility poles.