Growth and yield of Giant Sequoia

Abstract

Very little information exists concerning growth and yield of giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum [Lindl.] Buchholz). For old-growth trees, diameter growth is the single factor adding increment since maximum height has been obtained. Diameter growth averages 0.04 inches per year in normal old-growth trees but will fluctuate with changes in the surrounding environment. Growth plots in natural California young-growth stands indicate stand yields of 629 board feet per acre mean annual increment at age 86. Planted European stands 76 to 122 years old have shown yields of between 285 and 601 cubic feet per acre mean annual increment. Growth of giant sequoia has far surpassed the volume production from other North American conifers grown in West Germany or Belgium.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the workshop on management of giant sequoia; May 24-25, 1985; Reedley, California

Citation

Dulitz, David J. 1986. Growth and yield of Giant Sequoia. In: Weatherspoon, C. Phillip; Iwamoto, Y. Robert; Piirto, Douglas D., technical coordinators. Proceedings of the workshop on management of giant sequoia; May 24-25, 1985; Reedley, California. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-95. Berkeley, CA: Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture: p. 14-16