Redwoods reproduce two ways. Should the sprout survive, it may eventually grow into a full-grown tree. The original tree may pass away, yet leave its descendants behind in the family circle. These family circles are easily seen in most redwood forests. Redwoods do reproduce by seeds, though the seeds and cones are smaller than one would anticipate from such a large tree.
Most seeds begin to germinate once they land on fertile soil.
Once redwoods are established, they have amazing characteristics that help them survive and adapt to their environment. Fire is a natural part of the redwood ecosystem and has amazing benefits for the forest environment. Another adaptation redwoods have in response to their natural environment is in regards to fog. Fog is a fact of life for coastal California plant communities, and even the mighty redwood has shown not only a tolerance but a dependence on it. Fog can define limits of redwood groves, but fog also plays a key role in water use by the redwoods.