Redwoods in Portland?

Alexis' coworker gave her a redwood burl.  If, as seems increasingly likely, we move to Portland Oregon (state added for the benefit of New Englanders who automatically ask "Maine?" when they hear it), and the burl survives and grows into a happy little plant, would it survive outside?  Would it become a little sequoia in our yard?

The current natural range of the tree stops at the southern coast of Oregon.  What is the limiting factor that prevents it from living in the Portland area, or for that matter all the way up the coast to Washington, British Columbia, Juneau Alaska?  Apparently as recently as 5 million years ago, Sequoia trees lived in Asia and Europe.  We can grow Metasequoias like gangbusters in Boston.  Any plant people know what the deal is?

crossposted to damnportlanders 

How clutter happens.

Here's a gadget that I don't need but sorely want!  It's for measuring the diameter of trees, useful for determining whether a tree can be rightfully called a champion or heritage tree.  How often would I use it?  At least once, I suppose.