In darkness , poachers cut the burl from the base of redwoods in San Francisco . Taking the burls from a state park is a crime , and their size determines whether the crime is a misdemeanor or felony , the Humboldt County district attorney 's office said . The lumpy growth is sold for hundreds of dollars to make furniture . Officials close a road through the redwood forest at night to protect Earth 's tallest trees . thousands official likens the burl poaching to killing elephants for their tusks .
In darkness , poachers cut the burl from the base of redwoods in San Francisco . The lumpy growth is sold for hundreds of dollars to make furniture . Officials close a road through the redwood forest at night to protect Earth 's tallest trees . thousands official likens the burl poaching to killing elephants for their tusks .