As a resident of unicorporated SM County, I am very concerned about the removal of our precious oaks. In an effort to restore and secure his views, one member of our rural neighborhood took advantage of a nextdoor vacancy during a foreclosure to denude the lovely trees from that lot as well as his own. This was a criminal travesty, and he suffered no consequences as far as I know. It would be very good if the County not only imposed stricter regulation of tree removal, but also levied steep fines for those who fail to follow County regulations.
The idea of fining the tree removal services may be a deterrent IF licensed businesses are used, but many who cut down trees appear to be random workers with a pickup truck and a chainsaw, and these people likely would be judgment proof. While ignorance is no defense, new property owners frequently are unaware of their responsibilities with regard to tree removal, septic systems, and other matters unique to rural living. Perhaps at the time a property purchase is recorded by the County, as a condition of the recording/sale, buyers in unincorporated areas of the County could be provided with (and sign receipts for) the information they will need in order to be responsible property owners and stewards of the landscape.

With drought-enhanced vulnerability to pine beetles and sudden oak death, no trees should be removed unless they are sick, pose a safety hazard, or are in the way of ESSENTIAL, permitted development.

As a resident of Menlo Oaks, I support the preservation of our heritage oak trees. Some in our neighborhood expand the goal of protection to include trees non-native to this specific location, including redwoods. I encourage those drafting any new regulations to be thoughtful about which trees are protected, and which are not. The Menlo Oaks tree protection advocates would do a great service to the neighborhood if they helped educate residents on which trees are appropriate for our soil and weather conditions.

Hi, Kate! Redwoods aren't indigenous like oaks are, but if they measure 48" around at 4 1/2 feet from the ground they are protected. A tree that large has survived for a few hundred years and provides oxygen, wildlife habitat and abundant shade. It filters airborne particulates from 101 and inhibits soil erosion. To find out more about heritage and significant trees and tree care you can visit the Menlo Oaks Tree Association website. menlooaks-mota.org

I just googled "how fast does redwood tree grow" and up came this arborist video showing a tree that looks much bigger than 48in circumference at only 32 years old. He claims he has seen a 7ft diameter redwood that was 65 years old . . . that is roughly 22ft circumference, WOW!

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