Periodic annual growth rates of giant sequoia have not been determined. Giant sequoias less than 100 years old retain most of their branches. In contrast, trunks of mature trees are generally free of branches to a height of 100 to 150 feet. Reaction to Competition Giant sequoia's tolerance compared to its associates is not well established. Much depends on the period in the life span during which the trees were rated.
Young trees are more shade tolerant than older trees.
In comparison with white fir, young sequoias can withstand drought better than white fir but cannot endure shade as well. In dense thickets, growth is very poor and when released the spindly trees recover slowly. However, after the bark has been burned off, repeated hot fires may hollow out large trees. Few of the veteran trees have been destroyed by fire alone, but some have been wind-thrown where roots were destroyed by fire road construction, or exposure by erosion following fires. None of the insects or diseases reported on giant sequoia has caused the death of a single tree.