The Tree of Life at Olympic National Park is an incredible plant, sitting between two cliffs with its roots spread out in the open where the soil has been washed away by the tides and winds, seeming to defy gravity. It's only a matter of time before the huge spruce succumbs to erosion and crashes down, but it's likely to collapse even faster due to tourists clambering all over it.
Many culturally and historically important trees around the world have barriers and other protective measures in place to avoid damage and keep them alive for future generations. For example, the Major Oak in Sherwood Forest, which is estimated to be between 800 and 1,100 years old and served as hiding place for Robin Hood according to legend, is surrounded by a fence and supported by a network of poles and chains.
