Yosemite National Park, California 2008 -- ...the bad news is that the roots aren't so hot. Sequoia roots expand to about 150 feet in diameter. Unfortunately, because moisture in this dry place is typically only in the topsoil, roots are very shallow -- only about 3-6 feet deep. Therefore, they are as unstable as a nail standing on its head. When winds, earthquakes, and heavy snows occur, they may topple as this one did about 300 years ago. Sequoia have a lot of tannins in them which make them resist fire and insects -- and decay once they topple.

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