Protecting only 4 heritage trees of enormous size is shortsighted. Under the tree ordinance there is no possibility of creating future generations of trees because smaller trees are not protected. Trees are the foundation of Mill Valley's animal biodiversity and natural beauty. All native trees in riparian zones need protection because of the threatened species there and their reliance on shade and low water temperatures. Biodiversity is the key to all sustainability.
Marin County protects 36 species of native trees from saplings up to mature. Many native trees are more fire resistant.
Animals and the riparian zones of the creeks need these trees protected if there are to be trees in the future.
Furthermore, limbing of stands of redwood trees causes them to shoot up, and is biomechanically weakening to them according to arborist consultants. Limbing up of trees causes creeks to be exposed to sunlight and is bad for fish. Soil is exposed to rain run off and causes more flooding, erosion and polluted water. It also deprives many birds of habitat and quickly blocks out people's views by sending growth energy skyward.
By limiting the height of limbing up large redwoods and thinning instead to allow smaller trees to mature, where applicable, Mill Valley will stay more beautiful and natural into the future. The picture below shows negative visual impact of limbing and loss of habitat and shade.
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