Editor,
The Belmont City Council expects to pass an irresponsible tree ordinance on Tuesday, June 27, allowing the removal of healthy trees under 14-inch diameter without a permit or replacement. Cutting a tree exceeding 14-inch diameter requires only an ineffectual remedy of planting a replacement tree without considering the impact of losing a mature tree.
The age of a cut tree can be determined by counting the rings on the cross section of the stump. The age of a live tree is calculated by multiplying the tree’s diameter with the tree’s growth factor, typically between 3 and 7 with an average of 5. Therefore, an average 10-inch diameter tree is 50 years old (10x5). A 14-inch tree is 70 years old (14x5).
Why are the council’s remedies so inadequate? No one on the Belmont City Council will live long enough to see the new tree grow to 14-inch diameter. A newborn child today will be 70 years old before the new tree finally reaches 14 inches.
Why cut down a 50-year old, a 70-year old or any tree at all? Under the proposed tree ordinance, Belmont (beautiful mountain) will be a mountain without trees and will no longer be beautiful. City Council, it is your responsibility to protect all trees and encourage planting the right kind of trees to keep Belmont beautiful. 70 years from now, our grandchildren will either blame you or thank you for your actions. It is your choice.
Ken Lien
Belmont
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