The limits to tree height
Maximum tree height ~122-130 meters due to hydraulic limits
Koch et al. demonstrated that California redwoods are limited to ~115 meters by hydraulic constraints - water column tension in xylem vessels creates an absolute ceiling. This shows that even without competitive pressure, physical limits impose ceilings.
For business, this illustrates that some limits are absolute physics, not strategy. You can't overcome them through effort, investment, or innovation - you must work within them or find entirely different approaches.
Key Findings from Koch et al. (2004)
- Maximum tree height ~122-130 meters due to hydraulic limits
- Cavitation (air bubbles) breaks water column above threshold
- Gravity plus friction in xylem creates absolute ceiling
- Maximum tree height limit ~120-130m
- Limited by cavitation risk in water transport
- Tallest trees (coast redwoods) approach this fundamental limit
Used in 2 chapters
See how this research informs the book's frameworks:
Demonstrated California redwoods limited to ~115m by hydraulic constraints - water column tension creates absolute ceiling.
See absolute growth limits →Establishes physical limits to tree height (~120-130m) based on hydraulic constraints and cavitation in xylem vessels.
See physical scaling limits →