“The redwoods, once seen, leave a mark or create a vision that stays with you always.” — John Steinbeck

~ January 17, 2025

Maybe that’s why we found ourselves back at the Redwoods of Northern California this winter. Jamie and I first visited the Redwoods when our kids were little. We spent the first part of our summer vacation visiting our grower partner nurseries in Oregon, and then went south to see the tall trees. Walking through a Redwood forest is magical – it’s hard to describe with words or pictures. The visit years ago definitely made us love old growth forests and ancient trees even more.

Joey is working at Robinson Nursery in Oregon this winter, so we decided to kick off the New Year by visiting our favorite Oregon nursery friends and then exploring the northern California Redwoods! We even took the scenic route along the Oregon coastline and followed it all the way down to where it meets up with the Redwood coast. The drive was absolutely stunning and got us excited for the magical forest ahead. My sister Kristin and her husband Sean joined us for this part of the trip, and it was so much fun exploring the Redwoods with them!

During our drive down from Portland, we listened to a good podcast about the Redwoods. “This Old Tree” podcast with Doug Still in episode 6 “Luna Endures: A Redwood’s Survival Tale” gave an inside look into the famous 2 year “tree sit” by Julia Butterfly Hill in Luna, a 200 foot tall ancient redwood tree. We learned fascinating history about Redwood conservation along with a thorough science lesson on how Redwoods grow, reproduce, and contribute to the forest ecosystem. Doug’s podcast is a great listen for fellow tree nerds like us – check it out!

There are three types of Redwoods – the Coast Redwoods, Giant Sequoias, and Dawn Redwoods. We can grow Dawn Redwoods (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) in the Midwest and have been growing them at our nursery for years. It was quite a treat to see their older, more majestic cousin in its native range. The Coast Redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens), some of the world’s most ancient and pristine forests, left me speechless. Their towering canopy, reaching over 300 feet, supports entire ecosystems high above. These majestic trees have existed for approximately 240 million years when dinosaurs roamed the earth, with a presence in California for at least 20 million years.  The oldest known living coastal redwood is 2,200 years old; however, foresters speculate some may be even older.  It’s truly humbling to experience the sights, sounds, and spirit of a place that has thrived for millennia.

Redwood trees are vital to their forest ecosystems, supporting diverse lifeforms in their branches. They provide habitats for numerous plant species, including ferns, moss, lichen, huckleberries, and even other trees, which in turn become food sources for insects and amphibians. Additionally, redwoods have a unique ability to absorb water directly from fog, contributing to the forest’s water cycle.

Redwoods play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by capturing and storing significant amounts of carbon dioxide. Due to their size, longevity, and rot-resistant wood, they can absorb and retain at least three times more carbon than the average tree, helping to purify the air and regulate temperatures. We also learned that the Coastal Redwoods play an important role in acting as a “pump” to move the weather across the continent. Even back at home we are connected to these remarkable creatures!

But perhaps what stood out to me the most, is the way Redwoods take care of each other. The shallow, widespread roots of redwood trees intertwine with those of their neighbors, providing mutual support and stability during harsh weather. This interconnectedness extends to nourishment, with healthy trees sharing nutrients with the young, sick, and elderly through their joined root systems. The resulting sense of connection is palpable, creating a powerful and rejuvenating experience for those who walk among them.

Redwood trees produce an impressive 100,000 seeds each year, but their germination rate is low. These trees propagate more effectively through sprouts that grow around their base, taking advantage of the established root system and nutrients of the parent tree. When the parent tree dies, a new generation of trees, known as a “fairy ring,” rises in its place. These fairy rings, along with fallen trees supporting new life, were common sights on our journey through the forest. 

“I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.”  – Henry David Thoreau

The overwhelming feeling of connection while visiting these ancient groves is a truly special experience! Hiking the trails, both loops and out-and-back paths, we were enveloped by massive vegetation that created an almost eerie silence. The towering redwoods blocked out the sun, but even in the dim light, the forest was clearly a vibrant and growing community. Sunlight and time of day drastically changed our perception on the return hikes. Every detail, from the spider webs and fern foliage to the moss, lichens, and redwood bark patterns, was a tiny world unto itself.

During our trip, we listened to Peter Wohlleben’s audiobook, The Hidden Life of Trees. Wohlleben, a forester and author, argues that trees are social beings, forming a network within the forest. He presents scientific evidence to show that trees behave like human families: they nurture their offspring, communicate, share resources, and alert each other to danger. As we hiked through the majestic forests, we not only observed this interconnection but also felt ourselves to be a part of it.

Jamie and I began our year by disconnecting in this old-growth forest, and we are so grateful for the experience. At SGN Trees, we grow healthy trees, deep roots, and strong communities. Returning to the Redwoods reminded us how we can look to the forest for guidance in nurturing and growing our trees, ourselves, and the world around us. We hope that by sharing our experience, you may also find inspiration in the forest this coming year.

Cheers to Trees!

~ Becky Thomas, SGN Trees Grower

For links to some of the resources we referenced & cool stuff about Redwoods, check these out:

• Sempervirens Fund
• Great book The Wild Trees by Richard Preston 
• Save the Redwoods League
• “This Old Tree” podcast with Doug Still in episode 6 “Luna Endures: A Redwood’s Survival Tale” 
• Great book The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben
• NPS Redwoods National & State Parks
• Want to read next, Finding the Mother Tree by Suzanne Simard
• Want to read next, Oak Origins by Andrew Hipp