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Giant sequoias live a very long time and grow quickly, which is the reason for their massive size. In order to thrive, a giant sequoia needs moist, well-drained soil and lots of water. They require thousands of gallons of water each day and get most of it from snowmelt that has soaked into the ground. They are strong and hearty trees, yet compaction of the shallow roots by people and animals walking too near has damaged more than one lofty monarch.
Famed for their stature, many giant sequoias were named for Civil War leaders and generals. Three of the largest giant sequoias are in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks:
We encourage you to become a member of Save-the-Redwoods League to help protect these magnificent trees. For More Information:
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California's enormous giant sequoia is the world's most massive tree and
one of the oldest - most giant sequoias are 2,000 to 3,000 years old. The
oldest recorded tree is over 3,200 years old. The giant sequoia can grow to
be more than 250 feet tall (about 25 stories) with trunks as wide as 30 feet.
Once more common, the earth's last giant sequoia forests comprise a mere 37,000 acres in
67 - 70 scattered groves. Located along the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains
between 4,500 to 7,500 feet in elevation, the giant sequoia groves are priceless relics
from the past.
The bark of the giant sequoia can be up to two feet thick, keeping the tree cool in summer and protecting it
from cold, wind, and snow in winter. The bark, which has almost no combustible resins, also protects the tree
from wildfires. Tannins in the bark and compounds in the richly-colored heartwood protect the wood from
rot. A fallen monarch can remain on the ground for many centuries after the tree dies. These resilient trees
can sprout new branches after losing as much as 95% of their foliage from fire and continue to live and grow
for centuries. Naturally occurring fires that create large openings in the forest (more than two acres) allow successful
establishment of young giant sequoias - some may even become the monarchs of the future. Over the years,
fire suppression has encouraged the growth of a dense, brushy understory and reduced the likelihood of
giant sequoia reproduction.