Palms trees near Menlo Park Caltrain station removed due to electrification work

As part of the Caltrain Electrification project, 10 feet of clearance is required around the new electrical infrastructure for safety reasons. Because of this six City-owned heritage trees, including five Canary Island palms and one London plane tree, were removed at the Menlo Park Caltrain station.

According to the City, Caltrain submitted a heritage tree removal permit application for these trees. No appeals were received during the 15-day public posting period.

Working with Caltrain, more than 45 sites outside the electric safety zone have been identified where new trees will be strategically planted, which will also screen the Caltrain train tracks.

Photo of palm stumps by Robb Most (c) 2024; photo of palms via City of Menlo Park