Arborists are transforming vacant land on Detroit’s east side into a small urban forest featuring giant sequoias, the world’s largest trees that can thrive for thousands of years. This project spans four lots and aims not only to replace long-standing blight with majestic trees but also to improve air quality and aid in preserving the sequoias native to California’s Sierra Nevada, where they face increasing threats from wildfires.
Detroit has been selected as the pilot city for the Giant Sequoia Filter Forest initiative. The nonprofit Archangel Ancient Tree Archive is donating numerous sequoia saplings, which will be planted by staff and volunteers from Arboretum Detroit, another nonprofit, in celebration of Earth Day on April 22. Archangel’s co-founder has indicated plans to extend sequoia plantings to Los Angeles, Oakland, California, and London.
Giant sequoias, massive conifers, can surpass 300 feet in height and boast a base circumference exceeding 30 feet. These trees are capable of living for over 3,000 years. They are known for providing a full canopy that shelters the environment beneath them. The sequoias are resilient to disease and insects and adapt well to fire, thanks in part to their thick bark. However, climate change is increasing their vulnerability to wildfires in their native regions.
Archangel Ancient Tree Archive, based in Copemish, Michigan, is dedicated to preserving the genetics of old-growth trees for research and reforestation. The sequoia saplings destined for Detroit are clones of two notable giants, Stagg and Waterfall. While Waterfall was destroyed by a wildfire, Stagg survived and both will find new life in Detroit.
Detroit offers ample space for these giant trees. The city’s population has dramatically decreased from 1.8 million in the 1950s to about one-third of that today, leaving behind numerous empty lots. These spaces have the potential to be transformed into green areas, enhancing the city’s environment.
In recent years, Arboretum Detroit has planted several sequoias on vacant lots and private properties around the neighborhood. These trees have shown promising growth, reaching up to 15 feet in height. The local conditions, with moist soil and winter irrigation from melting snow, are conducive to their growth.
The sequoias in Detroit will require care from future generations, prompting the establishment of a “tree school” to educate the city’s youth about their significance and care. This initiative encourages children to take ownership of the trees, fostering an understanding of environmental issues.
Given the high levels of air pollution and rates of asthma in the area, the sequoias are strategically placed near industrial zones and highways to help filter the air. Arboretum Detroit has already planted approximately 650 trees of diverse species in the region, but the sequoias are expected to have the most significant impact due to their size and growth speed.
The initiative aims to combat pollution, provide shade, and manage stormwater, with sequoias being prime candidates for these environmental improvements.