A Master of Growth and Longevity
Redwoods are among the fastest-growing trees on Earth, capable of living for more than 2,000 years in their native range. Even in Ireland, they grow steadily and reliably, adding new rings of strength each year. Their potential for carbon storage is extraordinary, with a single mature Redwood capable of locking away multiple tonnes of carbon in its trunk and branches.
This immense capacity makes Redwood a natural ally in the fight against climate change. Its longevity means that the carbon it stores remains secured for generations, creating a lasting environmental legacy.
An Engine of Biodiversity
A mature Redwood is more than a tree, it is a living habitat. Its thick, fibrous bark resists fire, pests, and decay, allowing the tree to stand strong for centuries. Birds make their nests in its branches, lichens and mosses cling to its trunk, and the microclimate beneath its canopy becomes a sanctuary for ferns, fungi, and insects.
Even in young plantations, Redwoods help create stability and structure. Their shade, moisture, and shelter improve conditions for smaller plants and animals, forming miniature ecosystems that evolve alongside them.
Lessons from the Forest Giants
Despite their immense size, Redwoods are surprisingly humble. Their roots spread wide but remain shallow, intertwining with those of neighbouring trees for support. Together, they form a living network that holds the forest steady against wind and weather.
This quiet cooperation mirrors the values of Grown Forest, strength through connection. Just as Redwoods rely on one another, every tree we plant, and every person who supports our work, becomes part of an interconnected system that grows stronger together.
Planting for the Centuries Ahead
When you plant a Redwood with Grown Forest, you are making a statement of hope. You are creating a carbon store, a wildlife haven, and a monument to patience and vision. Each Redwood represents a belief that the forests of tomorrow can stand taller, live longer, and give more back to the planet than they take.
It is a tree that teaches us perspective, that life’s greatest contributions often come quietly, over time. Together, we can ensure that Ireland’s landscapes include these giants of generosity, standing as guardians for centuries to come.
