The  men in the photo are from Archangel Ancient Tree Archive, an organization that collects samples from largest trees of various  species. They are The Cloners who propagate  thousands of genetic jouvenile trees. The aim is to preserve genetics and reforest areas. The nature of the what they do more or less implies the clones are  superior.  It’s an angle to leverage support. Its a good idea for marketing.

In my  realm of reality, I believe that the largest of the  species are not genetically superior. It  boils-down to protection from wind, ample moisture and nutrients,  and somehow “dodging the bullet” in regards to the most violent extremes nature may throw at a forest. The biggest we see  are not the biggest that’s ever been either.

If someone really wanted genetically superior trees for growth it would be better to germinate seeds and grow cuttings from hundreds of different trees, then see which ones actually grow better after a few years when raised under the same  amount of light, water, nutrients, soil, drainage, etc.. That would be a  more realistic approach to reforesting with “super-trees”.

I also got some feedback once from someone who managed to grow  Coast Redwoods via a research permit. They said that the largest and tallest did not  actually provide superior trees.

If I were going to try this myself, from an older tree, I’d probably hope for a permit and ask for samples from a Coast Redwood like Spartacus. It’s not the absolute biggest, but it’s remarkable considering where it’s growing and how big it grew. It is huge, on a steep slope, away from a creek or alluvial flat. The trunk is a streamlined tower. It wouldn’t surprise me if a redwood like Spartacus were genetically superior to most of the 10 largest known. None of the 10 largest are on such as steep hillside.

Otherwise, I still think growing trees from many others is the best way to identify superior characteristics.

This photo was taken in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. The men from Archangel were just visiting that day, not taking samples.

Westridge Giant Redwood and men from Archangel Ancient Tree Archive