SEQUOIA-KINGS CANYON The Giants of Sequoia and Kings Canyon Redwood Meadow Grove Youthful sequoias form sharp spires. They often dominate the margin of a meadow but do not grow where it is excessively wet. Furthermore the moist soil at the meadow edge is not a secure foundation for the heavy weight of a mature sequoia, and it is more likely to fall. When a sequoia falls across a water course it may obstruct the flow of water and eventually form or extend a meadow. Photo by Howard R. Stagner, National Park Service As a sequoia ages the youthful spire top becomes a rounded crown as the smaller branches are pruned by nature and as the remaining limbs spread and branch out. Injury to the base and the resulting interference with the flow of sap is believed to be the chief cause of the snag tops of the older trees. Photo by National Park Service Tunnel Log on Redwood Mountain Trail Sequoia roots are shallow, but spread to a radius of perhaps 100 feet or more. Brittle, they break off near the base when the tree falls. Photo by Howard R. Stagner, National Park Service <<< Previous <<< Contents>>> Next >>> seki/stagner/sec3b.htm Last Updated: 02-Feb-2007