evergreen tree
Giant Sequoia: pruning, storm risk and removal
Sequoiadendron giganteum. Also called Sierra redwood, Big tree, Wellingtonia.
Plain-English notes for homeowners, plus field notes for tree crews. General guidance only: for one specific tree, have a local insured pro look at it.
Giant Sequoia at a glance
| Height | 150-250 ft in the wild, usually less in yards |
|---|---|
| Spread | 30-50 ft |
| Growth rate | Fast |
| USDA zones | 6-8 |
| Lifespan | Typically 1,000-3,000 years in the wild |
| Type | Evergreen |
| Native range | A few dozen groves on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada in California, usually at middle elevations. It is planted as a landscape tree in many other states and countries. |
| Roots | Very wide and mostly shallow, with no deep taproot. Roots can spread well beyond the drip line, and they are easy to hurt by trenching, paving or piling soil. |
| Wood | Light, soft and reddish, with a spongy bark that resists fire. The heartwood resists decay but is brittle, so it is a poor choice for beams. It is not a good firewood. |
| Storm risk | mediumThe wood is strong, but the tree is huge and shallow rooted. Lightning, root damage, drought and wet soil can cause large limbs and tops to fall, and ice or wet snow can break heavy branches on young trees outside the native range. |
Typical ranges, not guarantees. Soil, water, space and care change how a tree grows. Storm risk is our general rating for the species, not an inspection.
For homeowners
Caring for a giant sequoia
Best time to prune
Late fall to winter, with only light cuts. Remove dead and low branches, and lift the crown over time on young trees. In many yards, little pruning is needed.
Avoid pruning
Avoid topping and heavy cuts. Do not cut off the leader, and do not strip lower limbs so quickly that the tree loses form. Avoid trenching or digging within the root zone.
More on timing: when to prune trees.
- Think twice before planting. This tree needs a very large property and room for decades of growth.
- Water deeply and slowly in dry summers, especially for young trees outside California. Do not keep the soil constantly soggy.
- Keep construction, trenching and fill away from the roots. A wide area around the trunk should stay untouched.
- Have an arborist check for dead tops, thinning crowns and cankers, which can point to drought or disease.
Safety first
Do not climb a tree or use a chainsaw on storm-loaded or broken wood. If a tree or limb is touching power lines, stay away and call the utility. If someone is in danger, call 911. For anything big, hire a local insured pro: read how to hire a tree service and is my tree dangerous?
Lirevon does not do tree work. Find local pros on Google Maps and read their reviews, then get two or three written quotes.
For tree crews
Field notes: working on giant sequoia
- 1Plan for a crane or a very large lift. Climbing alone is rarely safe or fast on tall trees.
- 2Wear dust protection. The fibrous bark makes dust, and thick bark layers can hide wounds.
- 3Check for dead tops and lightning damage before setup. Heavy dead limbs can fall without notice.
- 4Chip volume is huge. Plan for trucks, disposal and any needed hauling before the day begins.
Removal notes
This is among the largest trees a crew may ever see. A mature landscape tree can be 100 feet tall or more and very wide at the base, and the fibrous wood and stringy bark can dull and bind saws. Expect a crane, a big crew, and lots of chips and wood. Stump grinding can be slow because of the wide root plate.
Wood
Light, soft and reddish, with a spongy bark that resists fire. The heartwood resists decay but is brittle, so it is a poor choice for beams. It is not a good firewood.
Pricing this job? Try the tree job estimator. Follow your own safety plan and crew training on every job.
Common problems for giant sequoia
Pests and diseases to watch for. Each link explains signs and what to do.
Trees often mistaken for it
Check the leaves, bark and shape before you decide how to prune or treat.
Where giant sequoia grows
Native range: A few dozen groves on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada in California, usually at middle elevations. It is planted as a landscape tree in many other states and countries.
Common in these US regions. Tap one to see other trees there.
Free tools for this tree
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Giant Sequoia: common questions
How big does a giant sequoia get?
In the wild, most mature trees are 150 to 250 feet tall, and the tallest known trees are close to 275 feet. They are also very wide. Trees in yards grow fast when young and still get very large.
What is the difference between giant sequoia and coast redwood?
Giant sequoia has a thick, fibrous, reddish trunk with scale-like, awl-shaped leaves, and it grows in the Sierra Nevada. Coast redwood grows in the coastal fog belt, has flatter, feathery leaves and is taller but slimmer.
Can I grow a giant sequoia outside California?
Yes, in many places, but it must have a large property, good drainage and enough water. Young trees can suffer in extreme cold, drought or ice. Check with your local nursery or extension service.
Why is my giant sequoia turning brown?
Drought, root rot, canker disease and winter injury are common causes. If browning shows on a young tree after a dry spell, deep watering may help, but get an arborist to check if it continues.
Are giant sequoia roots a problem?
They are wide and shallow, and they can lift paving and enter old lines. The tree should be planted far from houses, septic fields and sidewalks.
Can a giant sequoia be removed?
Yes, but it is a major job that needs experienced crews and heavy equipment. A certified arborist can inspect the tree and give written advice. Get two or three written quotes.
More trees in the same regions
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