Trees poisoned through chemical injection

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - “They used some type of tool to get to the inner part of the tree and there’s some type of substance that was injected inside the tree," said arborist Roy Teniente with the City of Santa Maria.

That substance is now killing trees near West Main Street in Santa Maria.

Teniente says two trees which were planted next to each other are dying at the same time.

Based on the holes that were drilled in both of them, he says they were most likely poisoned intentionally.

Investigators are still trying to figure out why it happened but they have a theory.

"Again for reasons why people would remove a tree you know this one does have the fruit on it. It does cause a mess but again you know we try to address that by trimming," said Teniente.

Crews say just to replace the Icy Blue tree will cost the city more than $3,000.

"It’s unfortunate for sure and the city is going to be conducting a full investigation with code enforcement leading the effort and we intend to hold those accountable to make sure we prevent this from happening again," said Brett Fulgoni with the Recreation and Parks Department.

The city says whoever poisoned the tree could be face a fine and have to pay for the tree.