At Thornton’s Tree Service, we spend a lot of time among the beautiful trees of Abilene, Texas, but even we stand in awe of the tallest tree in the United States – Hyperion.
Discovered in 2006 in a remote part of Redwood National Park in California, Hyperion is a coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) that towers an astonishing 379.7 feet high. That’s taller than the Statue of Liberty and a breathtaking example of what nature can achieve.
These giant redwoods are not just tall; they’re ancient. Hyperion is estimated to be between 600 and 800 years old, having survived countless storms, fires, and centuries of change. Coast redwoods like Hyperion grow so tall partly because of the ideal climate along California’s northern coast: foggy, mild, and damp – perfect for these forest behemoths to reach skyward.
Tallest Trees in Texas
You might be wondering: what’s the tallest tree in Texas? While we don’t have redwoods here in Abilene, nor will you ever find the tallest tree in Texas here, but the Lone Star State does boast some impressive tall trees of its own!
Down in Huntsville:
🌳 The Sam Houston Oak in Huntsville stands tall at 103 feet and it’s estimated to be over 200 years old. It’s one of the most famous live oaks in the state and is steeped in Texas history.
Over in the Piney Woods of East Texas around Tyler:
🌳 In the East Texas forests, loblolly pines (Pinus taeda) can reach heights of 100 to 120 feet and thrive in the rich, acidic soils of the Piney Woods region.
🌳 Another champion is the Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum), known for its towering height and iconic flared trunk base. Some of the tallest bald cypress trees in east Texas can reach over 120 feet and live for thousands of years in swampy areas along rivers and bayous (which you won’t find in west Texas, think east and southeast parts of the state).
In Central Texas around Goldthwaite and south:
🌳 In the Central Texas region, pecan trees (Carya illinoinensis) are also tall contenders, with some specimens reaching 100 feet or more in optimal conditions. Pecans are native to around 150 counties in Texas. It’s also our state tree.
Your Local Tree Experts
At Thornton’s Tree Service, we love learning about these giants – whether they’re towering redwoods in California or our own Texas natives.
While we’re definitely not working with redwoods here in the Abilene area, we’re experts at caring for the trees in your yard. And our cranes come in really handy for remove our larger trees and trees that are located in a difficult spot.
Whether it’s trimming, removal, or stump grinding, we’re here to help keep your trees healthy and strong – so they can keep reaching for the sky, just like Hyperion.
If you need expert help getting your tallest tree trimmed or removed, give Thornton’s a call as we’re here to keep your property safe, beautiful, and strong.
