Trees are the oldest and some of the largest living organisms on earth. While redwoods and sequoias get the most attention for their enormous sizes, there are many more "big trees." On this episode, we search out some of the champion trees listed on the California Big Tree Registry.
From San Luis Obispo where the Registry is housed, all the way to Los Angeles where, with the help of a big tree hunter, we climb a giant floss silk tree to measure and crown it as a new champion.
We visit San Simeon where William Randolph Hearst honored enormous ancient native oaks by building his castle around them, never cutting down a single tree.
And we see native and exotic champion trees, and learn why it's important to recognize and sustain these giants among us.
1 of 19
The state’s largest Torrey Pine tree stands on a street in Carpenteria, California, miles away from the tree’s native habitats.
Courtesy of AGP Productions, LLC
2 of 19
Host Nan Sterman inspects a Red River Gum Eucalyptus, the state’s largest, on the campus of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
Courtesy of AGP Productions, LLC
3 of 19
Tree expert and Cal Poly Pomona professor than Matt Ritter measured this Kari Gum Eucalyptus tree at 180 feet tall. It is the largest in California and probably the country.
Courtesy of AGP Productions, LLC
4 of 19
A GROWING PASSION’S crew shoots an early morning scene at the nursery where the nursery workers prepare an enormous Mayten tree to be loaded on a flatbed and moved to a new home.
Courtesy of AGP Productions, LLC
5 of 19
Host Nan Sterman watches as workers prepare the enormous Mayten tree to be loaded on a flatbed and moved to a new home.
Courtesy of AGP Productions, LLC
6 of 19
Driving down the highway at fast speed can blow branches around and desiccate leaves in no time. To keep that from happening, workers prepare to cover tarp the canopy.
Courtesy of AGP Productions, LLC
7 of 19
The tree is tarped for the journey. Once the tarp is secure, the truck leaves the nursery grounds.
Courtesy of AGP Productions, LLC
8 of 19
This crew prides themselves in moving enormous trees like this one. Their experience and professionalism are unparalleled.
Courtesy of AGP Productions, LLC
9 of 19
The crew captures final preparations for sending this tree on its way.
Courtesy of AGP Productions, LLC
10 of 19
After a trip through town, the truck arrives at its destination, tree intact.
Courtesy of AGP Productions, LLC
11 of 19
This beautiful, private botanical garden will be the Mayten tree’s new home.
Courtesy of AGP Productions, LLC
12 of 19
The workers prepare to unwrap the Mayten tree so it can be set in place.
Courtesy of AGP Productions, LLC
13 of 19
The moment of truth – the tree arrives unscathed from its long journey.
Courtesy of AGP Productions, LLC
14 of 19
A crane moves the Mayten tree, now upright, slowly moved into place.
Courtesy of AGP Productions, LLC
15 of 19
The tree’s rootball was protected the entire trip. Now, the boards and bands will be removed before the tree is planted.
Courtesy of AGP Productions, LLC
16 of 19
The crane slowly lowers the tree into its final position.
Courtesy of AGP Productions, LLC
17 of 19
A worker scores the roots to encourage them to grow out into the soil that will soon surround the rootball.
Courtesy of AGP Productions, LLC
18 of 19
Rather than being planted into a hole, this tree is set at ground level. PVC aeration pipes are set around the rootball. The workers prepare to mound soil around the tree
Courtesy of AGP Productions, LLC
19 of 19
The bulldozer finishes mounding soil around the Mayten tree’s rootball.
Courtesy of AGP Productions, LLC
Join The Conversation:
A GROWING PASSION is on Facebook, and you can follow @GrowingPassion on Twitter. Share photos and follow the series on Instagram.
Watch On Your Schedule:
All episodes of A GROWING PASSION are available for streaming on demand.
About The Series:
A GROWING PASSION is a lifestyle program that explores San Diego County’s agriculture and horticulture activities as an expression of this growing earth-friendly movement.
From backyard food production to major horticultural growers, from low water landscapes to sustainable practices around the home and in the garden, we tell stories about the natural and man-made landscapes that shape the social, cultural, environmental and economic interests of our community.
We celebrate how San Diego grows. The series is hosted by Nan Sterman.
