Giant sequoias are rare trees. Giant sequoias can only grow along a narrow, 260-mile strip on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada mountains, between 5,000 and 7,000 feet. Giant sequoia trees are among the oldest trees in the world. A giant sequoia tree can live up to 3,000 years. Giant sequoias know how to branch out. A giant sequoia tree’s largest branches can be eight feet in diameter. Giant Sequoia trees have thick skinned bark. It's bark can be up to 3 feet thick. Giant sequoias are a protected species. Giant sequoias were once logged, but the practice stopped over a century ago because the tree’s wood is brittle. Today, the trees are protected. Giant sequoias are huge trees that can grow taller than a 26-story building. It is rare for a giant sequoia tree to grow taller than 300 feet. Most giant sequoias are not able to grow to a height greater than 300 feet. The tallest sequoia is 379 feet tall. They do best in deep, sandy loams, but survive in a variety of other soils, suggesting that, aside from moisture content, soils play only a minor role in influencing the tree’s distribution pattern. They generally grow in soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5, performing best at pH 6.5. They require well-drained soils with good aeration; standing or stagnating water may drown the roots and kill the trees. The species cannot withstand heavy compaction, though low to moderate compaction may be acceptable. Giant sequoia can withstand temperatures ranging from –12 to 104 F, but it typically is found in areas with January minimums of 21 to 34? F and July maximums of 75 to 84? F. Its natural range falls within USDA zone 9; however, the tree is hardy to zone 6. Both extremely high temperatures and sudden freezes can damage or kill giant sequoias. Giant sequoia is intolerant of shade and benefits from plenty of sunlight both for initial seedling development and for later growth. In general, relatively small openings in forest canopies allow enough full or moderately filtered sunlight into an area for tree development and growth. Giant Sequoia Germination: 1) Soak seeds in filtered water for 24 hours. 2) Place seeds in a zip lock bag filled with moist vermiculite. Then place inside the fridge to cold stratify for 60 days. Periodically check to ensure they don't dry out, but never wet them beyond moist. 3) Plant no more than 1/8" deep, and keep around 70-75 degrees. 4) Expect germination within 2-4 weeks, keeping them out of direct sunlight for at least 60 days after germination.