Fallen Monarch (S3)

You'll find this landmark on your right as you start into the grove on the main trail. Biologists believe that this tree has been down for centuries. Tannic acid in the wood suppresses the initial growth of fungi and bacteria, essentially arresting decay of a fallen sequoia. Only when rain and melting snow have leached the tannin from the wood can decay begin. For your safety and to help preserve what remains of the Fallen Monarch, please do not climb on the tree. Notice the roots of this tree. Sequoias do not have deep tap roots. Instead, the roots spread out near the surface to capture water. While the roots are usually no deeper than six feet (2 meters), they can fan out more than 150 feet (45 meters), providing a stable base to balance the massive trunk. When visitors stay on the road and trails, it minimizes soil compaction that damages these surface roots. Source: NPS/Jon Kinney