Trees give us oxygen, shade us from the sun, and provide habitat for animals. They also remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and help prevent climate change. We need more trees and need to preserve the mature ones that we have. Trees improve our quality of life and our property values.
A street in Redwood City lined with mature Modesto Ash trees. (November 2021)
A heritage Coast Live Oak in Redwood City (October 2024)
Since 2015 and probably earlier, the City of Redwood City has been removing street trees every year. On average, those trees are replaced only 21% of the time.
According to data recently acquired by a Public Records request, Redwood City has lost 1193 trees growing in the right of way at the hands of Public Works Department and funded by taxpayer money. In that same time, the City has planted on 361 trees in the right of way.
Our Tree Preservation Ordinance is meant to protect all trees in Redwood City. It gives authority to the Parks and Recreation Director to designate heritage trees, issue and deny permits for tree cutting, and consider factors like tree health, public safety, environmental impact, and forestry practices before granting permits. However, at least since 2015, authority has been given to The Public Works department. They act without any check or balances and have an inherent conflict of interest since they are also responsible for in-ground utilities. The city does not have a City Arborist or a Tree Board. Currently the person who approves tree removal permits has no arborist experience.
<aside> ⚖️
Redwood City Tree Preservation Ordinance Sec. 35.3. - PERMIT REQUIRED FOR CUTTING, REMOVAL OF TREES: It is hereby declared unlawful for any person to cut, move, or remove or cause to be cut, moved or removed any tree, unless such person first obtains a permit from the Parks and Recreation Director to do so in a manner prescribed by him for such removal.
</aside>
Once a tree is damage or removed, there is no turning back. We have to wait decades for a replacement and there is no chance that it will survive. We need to hold people who damage or remove trees unlawfully accountable.
A Modesto Ash tree in the right of way is removed by The Professional Tree Service Company as ordered by Public Works. The tree was planted in 1950 as part of the award winning Atherwood Eichler subdivision. (May 2024)
It took 74 years to grow and only hours to cut down. And $3000 or more of taxpayer money.(May 2024)
<aside> ✋
If you're passionate about saving our trees, please contact us using the form below
</aside>