A giant sequoia believed to be the second-largest tree in the world may not live much longer after suffering damage from heavy snow and strong wind, according to officials at Sequoia National Park.
SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK, Calif. — A giant sequoia believed to be the second-largest tree in the world may not live much longer after suffering damage from heavy snow and strong wind, according to officials at Sequoia National Park.
The sequoia known as the Washington Tree once stood more than 254 feet tall with a circumference at its base of more than 101 feet, ranking it second behind a tree known as the General Sherman sequoia in the same park.
But the tree was damaged in a forest fire in 2003, then severe weather reduced its height to 115 feet, leaving only a few branches of sparse foliage remaining.
"It's just a shame," park ranger Mary Anne Carlton said. "But it's still got some greenery. It's still living and hanging on."
Studies of the tree's layers suggest it is between 2,500 and 3,200 years old.
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Source: Associated Press
