SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A large tree came crashing down in a South Land Park neighborhood, knocking out power in the middle of an excessive heat warning with temperatures over 100°.
Late Friday night, the homeowners' power went out as a tree pulled down power lines and fences. The Sacramento Municipal Utilities District says power should be restored by 11 p.m. Saturday.
This left people without access to air conditioning during the stretch of excessive heat.
Falling trees and branches in the summer can be due to a term called "sudden branch drop syndrome." The cause is still not completely known, but it's likely that diseased trees, poorly maintained and even drought could stress trees enough for them to lose branches and even fall.
ABC10 has followed cases like this before and has learned responsibility depends on where the tree falls.
If it's on city property, people can call 311 and then file a claim. The city will decide what to do with the claim. If it's on personal property, call your insurance company.
Since Sacramento is often called the "City of Trees," care during drought is especially important. Many water agencies are reminding people to water trees and let the grass brown to prevent falling branches and trees. Besides taking out power, falling trees can damage homes and vehicles and in some cases be deadly.
