Beware of Blackwood Acacias
Acacia melanoxylon, also known as Australian or Tasmanian Blackwood, is a common tree in the East Bay. Arborists consider it a noxious weed because of its invasive nature. Formerly used to line streets in cities and towns, its use has diminished because it can damage pavement and underground pipes, such as sewer lines.
The Blackwood Acacia’s weak root system is another problem, causing it to easily fall over once the ground becomes saturated from winter rains. This just happened today to our neighbors across the street. Fortunately, the house was not damaged.
For my previous articles about trees, go to “Trees Belong in Your Buying Equation” and “Eucalyptus and Monterey Pines Present Problems”