Top 5 Biggest Trees on Earth is more than just a list – it’s a journey through nature’s most awe-inspiring creations.
In this short guide, we’ll explore the five largest trees on the planet ranked by trunk volume, not just height.
These giants have been growing for thousands of years, standing silently as living witnesses to centuries of environmental change, climate shifts, and even human history.
These aren’t just the tallest trees – they’re the most massive living organisms on Earth by volume.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a travel enthusiast, or simply curious about the largest things on Earth, this article on the Top 5 Biggest Trees on Earth will give you a deeper appreciation for these monumental wonders.
5. Stagg Tree – The Hidden Titan of the Forest
- Species: Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum)
- Location: Alder Creek Grove, California, USA
- Volume: ~42,500 cubic feet (1,203 cubic meters)
- Height: ~243 feet (74 meters)
- Estimated Age: Over 3,000 years
Tucked away in the serene wilderness of California’s Sierra Nevada lies a truly enormous yet little-known natural wonder—the Stagg Tree. It’s one of those rare giants that has quietly defied the test of time, growing taller and broader for thousands of years without much public attention.
In fact, it wasn’t even protected in a national park until recently. For decades, it stood on private land, surrounded by forest, quietly being one of the largest living trees on the planet.
Unlike more famous trees in national parks, the Stagg Tree remained hidden from mainstream tourist trails. That all changed when conservationists stepped in and secured its future, ensuring that this forest monarch would be preserved for generations to come.
Its massive trunk rises like a cathedral of wood, its bark deeply furrowed from age and fire scars, and its crown spreads wide above the grove. Standing beneath it, you feel the weight of history, as though you’re in the presence of something sacred and immensely wise.
Among the top 5 biggest trees on Earth, the Stagg Tree is unique – not just in size, but in the quiet strength and mystery it carries.
It’s not the most visited, but that makes discovering it feel all the more special, like you’ve stumbled across a secret kept by nature herself.
4. Lincoln Tree – A Quiet Giant
- Species: Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum)
- Location: Sequoia National Park, California, USA
- Volume: ~44,471 cubic feet (1,259 cubic meters)
- Height: ~255 feet (77.7 meters)
- Estimated Age: ~1,900 years
As you walk through the towering groves of Sequoia National Park, there’s one tree that commands attention without fanfare – the Lincoln Tree.
Named in honor of one of America’s most respected presidents, this natural titan embodies a sense of dignity and quiet grandeur.
For centuries, the Lincoln Tree has stood firmly rooted in the earth, growing through wildfires, droughts, and changing climates. Its bark bears the deep grooves of age, and its colossal trunk supports branches that have reached towards the sky for generations.
While many visitors may pass it by in favor of more famous trees nearby, those who stop to take in its size are often struck by its overwhelming presence.
What makes this tree so remarkable is its symbolic weight. It not only holds a place among the top 5 biggest trees on Earth, but it also stands as a natural monument to endurance and quiet strength.
3. President Tree – Ancient Wisdom in Living Form
- Species: Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum)
- Location: Sequoia National Park, California, USA
- Volume: ~45,000 cubic feet (1,275 cubic meters)
- Height: ~247 feet (75.3 meters)
- Estimated Age: Over 3,200 years
Wander deep into the Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park and you’ll eventually come across a tree that feels more like a legend than a plant. The President Tree isn’t just one of the largest trees on Earth – it’s one of the oldest living beings still standing today.
With a towering trunk and sprawling limbs that stretch far into the sky, this tree has seen more seasons than most civilizations. One of the most extraordinary things about the President Tree is how alive it feels.
While many giant trees are awe-inspiring for their size alone, this one offers something more: a palpable sense of presence.
Its branches are covered in dense foliage, and it supports more biomass than nearly any other tree ever recorded. Its top reaches proudly into the canopy, while its roots anchor it deep into history.
2. General Grant Tree – The Nation’s Christmas Tree
- Species: Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum)
- Location: Kings Canyon National Park, California, USA
- Volume: ~46,608 cubic feet (1,320 cubic meters)
- Height: ~267 feet (81.3 meters)
- Estimated Age: Over 1,600 years
There’s a reason people from all over the world make the journey to see the General Grant Tree. this tree represents something far greater. Known as the “Nation’s Christmas Tree,” the General Grant is a symbol of honor, memory, and collective heritage.
Walking up to this behemoth, you’re instantly struck by the way it dominates the landscape. The trunk is massive, even among giants, and the branches extend like arms ready to embrace the entire forest.
While some trees are famous for their height or age, the General Grant stands out for its sense of character. It feels noble, proud, and deeply rooted in both the Earth and human history.
Designated as a national shrine to fallen soldiers, it’s the only living object in the U.S. with that title.
This connection to memory and sacrifice adds a layer of reverence when you stand beneath its canopy. Among the top 5 biggest trees on Earth, It’s a tree that has grown into the very heart of a nation.
1. General Sherman – The Largest Tree on Earth
- Species: Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum)
- Location: Sequoia National Park, California, USA
- Volume: ~52,500 cubic feet (1,487 cubic meters)
- Height: ~275 feet (83.8 meters)
- Estimated Age: 2,200 – 2,700 years
Standing in front of the General Sherman Tree, it’s hard to put into words what you’re feeling. There’s silence, then awe, then disbelief.
How can something this big, this old, and this alive exist in our fast-moving world? But it does and it holds the title of being the largest tree in the world by volume, earning the number one spot on any list of the top 5 biggest trees on Earth.
What makes General Sherman so special isn’t just its towering height or its thick trunk, though those stats are impressive. It’s the story it tells.
This tree has been alive for over two thousand years. It was already growing when the Roman Empire was rising, when pyramids were still young, and long before maps included the Americas. And it’s still growing each year, it adds enough wood to equal an average-sized tree.
Standing beneath it is humbling. You feel the scale, but also the serenity. People from around the world come to see it, and almost everyone leaves changed in some small way.
The General Sherman Tree is more than number one on this list – it’s a symbol of Earth’s quiet power and unmatched beauty.
Conclusion – Top 5 Biggest Trees on Earth
As we reflect on the Top 5 Biggest Trees on Earth, one thing becomes abundantly clear these aren’t just botanical anomalies, they are ecological treasures.
Each of these massive trees, from the towering General Sherman to the resilient Lincoln Tree, tells a story of endurance, evolution, and environmental importance.
Their massive trunks store centuries of carbon, provide habitats for countless species, and remind us of nature’s quiet ability to outlast empires, industries, and even civilizations.
The trees featured on this Top 5 Biggest Trees on Earth list are more than tourist attractions they’re natural monuments of time and resilience.
List of Top 5 Biggest Trees on Earth
Here’s a table showcasing the Top 5 Biggest Trees on Earth including rank, Tree Name, Location, specialty, Estimated Age and Volume.
| Rank | Tree Name | Location | Species | Estimated Age | Height | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | General Sherman | Sequoia National Park, CA, USA | Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) | 2,200–2,700 years | 275 ft | 52,500 ft³ |
| 2 | General Grant | Kings Canyon National Park, CA, USA | Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) | 1,600+ years | 267 ft | 46,608 ft³ |
| 3 | President Tree | Sequoia National Park, CA, USA | Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) | 3,200+ years | 247 ft | 45,000 ft³ |
| 4 | Lincoln Tree | Sequoia National Park, CA, USA | Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) | ~1,900 years | 255 ft | 44,471 ft³ |
| 5 | Stagg Tree | Alder Creek Grove, CA, USA | Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) | 3,000+ years | 243 ft | 42,500 ft³ |
FAQs Top 5 Biggest Trees on Earth
What is the biggest tree on Earth by volume?
The General Sherman Tree is the largest by volume, found in Sequoia National Park, California.
Where are the biggest trees on Earth located?
All five of the biggest trees are located in California, mostly in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
How old is the General Sherman Tree?
It’s estimated to be between 2,200 and 2,700 years old.
Are the biggest trees also the tallest trees?
No, the tallest tree is Hyperion, a coast redwood, but it’s not among the biggest by volume.
What species are the biggest trees on Earth?
They are all Giant Sequoias, scientifically known as Sequoiadendron giganteum.
Can you visit all the biggest trees on this list?
Yes, most are located in accessible national parks with marked trails.
Is the Stagg Tree open to the public?
Yes, it’s now protected and part of a conservation area, though less accessible than others.
Why are these trees measured by volume instead of height?
Volume provides a more accurate measure of overall size, considering trunk thickness and mass.
What makes Giant Sequoias grow so large?
Ideal climate, soil conditions, and long lifespans allow them to grow to massive sizes.
Is it legal to cut down a Giant Sequoia?
No, they are protected by federal law in national parks and conservation areas.
Which national park has the most big trees?
Sequoia National Park in California has the highest concentration of massive sequoias.
Do these trees still grow?
Yes, even the oldest and largest trees continue to grow each year.
Can you touch or hug these trees during a visit?
While touching is allowed, it’s encouraged to keep a respectful distance to protect the roots and bark.
Why are Giant Sequoias only found in California?
They thrive in the unique conditions of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and don’t naturally grow elsewhere.
How are these trees measured for volume?
Scientists use laser scanning and detailed measurements of the trunk to estimate total volume.
Are there bigger trees outside the United States?
No, the largest known trees by volume are all located in California, USA.
What’s the difference between a sequoia and a redwood?
Sequoias are thicker and grow at higher elevations; redwoods are taller and found closer to the coast.
Do wildfires harm these trees?
Mature Giant Sequoias are highly fire-resistant, and fire can actually help their seeds germinate.
How can I help protect the biggest trees on Earth?
Support conservation groups, follow park guidelines, and spread awareness about their importance.
How do these trees survive for thousands of years?
Giant Sequoias have thick, fire-resistant bark and deep root systems that protect them from natural threats.
Quick Recap of Top 5 Biggest Trees on Earth
- General Sherman – The Largest Tree on Earth
- General Grant Tree – The Nation’s Christmas Tree
- President Tree – Ancient Wisdom in Living Form
- Lincoln Tree – A Quiet Giant
- Stagg Tree – The Hidden Titan of the Forest
To wrap things up, these are the Top 5 Biggest Trees on Earth each an incredible natural monument that showcases the strength, longevity, and grandeur of our planet’s forests.
