Coast Redwood

Choosing the Right Spot:

Coast Redwoods are giants, so you’ll need to think long-term! These trees can grow over 100 feet tall (and sometimes much taller). Pick a location that has plenty of space—ideally away from buildings, power lines, and other structures. You’ll want an open area where it can grow freely.

Climate Considerations:

Coast Redwoods thrive in cool, humid climates, similar to the coastal regions of California and Oregon. They love foggy mornings because the moisture helps keep them hydrated. If you live in a drier area, you’ll need to make sure they get extra water, especially during hot summer months.

Soil and Tools Needed:

• Soil: They prefer rich, well-draining soil but can handle slightly sandy or clay-heavy soils too.
• Tools: A sturdy shovel, some compost or organic matter, mulch, and a watering can or hose.

Tip: If your soil is poor, mix in some compost before planting to give your redwood a strong start!

Timing:

The best time to plant a Coast Redwood is in early spring or fall when the weather is mild. This gives the tree time to establish roots before extreme temperatures hit.

Step-by-Step Planting Instructions:

1. Digging the Hole:
   • Dig a hole that’s about twice as wide as the root ball of your young redwood and just as deep. This gives the roots room to spread out comfortably.
2. Positioning the Tree:
   • Place the tree gently into the hole. Make sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding ground. You don’t want to bury the trunk too deeply.
3. Backfilling:
   • Fill the hole back up with the soil you dug out, mixing in some compost if your soil needs a boost. Gently press down on the soil to remove air pockets, but don’t compact it too much.
4. Water Immediately:
   • Give the tree a good soak right after planting. This helps settle the soil around the roots and gets rid of any remaining air pockets.

Mulching Tip: After planting, spread a layer of mulch (like wood chips or bark) around the base of the tree, but keep it a few inches away from the trunk. Mulch helps retain moisture and keeps weeds at bay.

Support Stake: If your young redwood looks wobbly, you can use a stake to support it for the first year. Just be sure not to tie it too tightly—allow some movement so the tree can develop a strong trunk.

Watering:

• Regular Watering: Young redwoods need consistent moisture, especially during their first few years. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on how dry your climate is. As the tree matures, it will become more drought-tolerant, but it still prefers regular watering.

Fertilizing:

• You don’t need to fertilize often. Once a year in early spring, you can sprinkle a balanced fertilizer around the base if you notice slow growth. But generally, they do fine with natural nutrients from the soil and mulch.

Sunlight:

• Coast Redwoods love sunlight, but they also tolerate partial shade. Ideally, they should get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. However, if you live in a hotter climate, a bit of afternoon shade can help protect the tree from scorching.

Pruning:

• Coast Redwoods typically grow straight and tall without needing much pruning. However, you can trim away any dead or damaged branches in late winter or early spring to keep the tree looking tidy.

Tip: Avoid over-pruning, as redwoods naturally shed lower branches as they grow taller, giving them that classic towering look.

Now, here’s the thing: you won’t be harvesting anything from this tree! Coast Redwoods are ornamental and timber trees, not fruit-bearing plants. Instead of harvesting, you’ll enjoy the beauty and majesty of watching this massive tree grow taller and stronger over the years.

But remember, these trees grow very slowly at first, so patience is key. After a decade, you might see it reach 20-30 feet, but given enough time, it could soar well over 100 feet!

Tip: Take photos every year to track its progress—it’s amazing to see how much it grows over time!

Q: My Coast Redwood’s leaves are turning brown. What’s wrong?

A: Brown leaves can happen if the tree isn’t getting enough water. Redwoods like moist soil, so make sure you’re watering regularly, especially during hot or dry spells. It could also be sunburn if you’re in a very sunny, dry climate—adding some mulch or providing light shade can help.

Q: Can I plant a Coast Redwood in a container?

A: While possible for a short time, it’s not ideal. These trees grow enormous and need deep roots to anchor themselves. If you must start in a container, plan to transplant it to the ground within a year or two.

Q: How fast does a Coast Redwood grow?

A: In optimal conditions, young redwoods can grow 3-5 feet per year once established. However, growth may be slower in the first few years while the tree is still developing its root system.

Q: Do Coast Redwoods lose their needles?

A: No, they’re an evergreen species, meaning they keep their foliage year-round. However, older needles near the base of the tree may drop as part of the tree’s natural shedding process.

Q: Can I plant multiple Coast Redwoods close together?

A: Yes, but leave at least 15-20 feet between each tree. Redwoods are often found in groves in nature, and they can grow together beautifully, but they still need room to expand.

Q: How do I protect my young redwood from pests?

A: Coast Redwoods aren’t particularly prone to pests, but aphids or scale insects can occasionally bother them. If you notice sticky residue or tiny bugs, spray the tree with a gentle insecticidal soap or blast it with water to dislodge the pests.