Unfortunately, these giants of the forests are under attack. They have become the latest victims of America’s drug epidemic. In order to pay for their drugs, meth addicts have been cutting out the burls in the trees to sell on the black market. ‘Burls’ are the big gnarly bumps on a tree. The intricate wood patterns in the burls are highly prized for their beauty and are sought after by furniture makers. Large burls can sell for a few thousand dollars. When the burls are cut away, the trees become weakened and vulnerable to insects and disease.

 

Last year, nearly 20 redwoods were attacked for their burls. In one instance, a tree that was estimated to be around 400 years old was cut down to get at a large burl high up on the tree.

 

These are just the known attacks. With national park budgets being cut, it is impossible for park rangers to make a complete survey, let alone protect the trees from further poaching.