Three historic trees at the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas were felled by fierce winds the weekend of Jan. 31 as a storm swept through the region.

Two decades-old Torrey pine trees planted by Charles and Ruth Larabee — longtime owners of the property before the garden’s existence — fell eastward into the waterfall and rainforest area, garden officials reported in a media statement. Several other trees in that area were destroyed, in addition to the waterfall deck, where weddings are held.

One of San Diego Botanic Garden’s oldest trees, a large eucalyptus estimated to be more than 80 feet tall, planted between 1918 and 1920, was removed early this week after it was discovered leaning precariously after the windstorm, garden officials said in a second media update. The tree was noteworthy because it predated the Larabee family’s ownership of the property and was a central landmark in the garden.

Garden officials determined the tree needed to be removed to ensure visitors’ safety, according to the statement.

Portions of the garden property will be closed until further notice as Bishop’s Tree Service and garden staff clean up the damage, officials said.

Severe winds ranging from 30 to 65 mph swept through San Diego County the weekend of Jan. 31 in the wake of El Niño rains. The wind caused damage and felled throughout the county, including the downing of a large, old Torrey pine tree in Pacific Beach, killing San Diego musician Nicki Carano as she drove to a performance, colleagues and authorities reported.