Characteristics of redwood
California redwoods, also called Coast redwoods, grow primarily in Northern California and Southern Oregon. They can achieve a height of 350 feet and a diameter of 24 feet. Redwoods can live to be 2000 years old, and have been on the earth for more than 240 million years. They do not live more than 50 miles inland, and are usually found in long belts.
The coast redwood’s lumber is highly valued, and has been extensively logged. Because it is durable, resistant to rot and termites, it resists warping and is relatively soft, it is a popular choice for construction. Redwood has qualities not found in other woods. It has many outstanding characteristics including its resistance to shrinking, warping and checking. It also ages beautifully. Its heartwood has a grown-in resistance to decay and insects that is present throughout the wood. Any wood exposed through sawing, drilling or nailing is just as decay-resistant as the surface wood.
“The redwoods, once seen leave a mark or create a vision that stays with you always. No one has ever successfully painted or photographed a redwood tree. The feeling they produce is not transferable. From them comes silence and awe. . . they are ambassadors from another time.” – John Steinbeck