Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens)

How much light does a Redwood need?

Full sun is the preferred exposure for coast redwood, and part shade is also listed. The source describes full sun as six or more hours of direct sunlight a day. A site with high humidity, protected from direct wind, is the setting described for the tree. It is an evergreen conifer.

• Light: Full sun and part shade (full sun preferred)¹

How often to water a Redwood

Redwood tolerates wet soil, but it does not tolerate dry soil. Its water range runs from medium at the low end to wet at the high end. The soil it grows in can be well drained, moist or occasionally wet. The humidity listed for this tree is high.

• Water: Medium to wet¹

Best soil for a Redwood

Redwood grows in soil that is well drained, moist or occasionally wet. Good drainage is among the listed conditions. Wet soil is tolerated, while dry soil is not. Moisture in the soil should sit between medium and wet. This evergreen conifer grows rapidly, averaging 3 feet (0.9 m) a year. It also needs high humidity around it. No cited source gives a soil pH range for this tree.

• Soil drainage: Well drained, moist and occasionally wet¹

Hardiness and temperature

Zones 7a to 9b are the range listed for redwood. The listed zones are 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a and 9b. Humidity is listed as high. The source describes a humid environment, protected from direct wind, in a coastal fog belt. It is an evergreen conifer. The tree can reach a height of 60 to 200 feet (18–61 m) or more. No cited source records a minimum temperature for this tree.

• Hardiness: Zones 7a–9b¹

Pruning a Redwood

Redwood is listed as needing no pruning. A source notes that it self-prunes well in dense stands. It grows rapidly, averaging about 3 feet (0.9 m) a year. It can reach up to about 300 feet (91 m), sometimes taller. Its spread is 15 to 25 ft (4.6–7.6 m).

• Pruning: No pruning needed²

How to plant a Redwood

Choose a site in USDA zones 7a to 9b. Leave room for a spread of 15 to 25 ft (4.6–7.6 m). The tree can reach about 300 feet (91 m), sometimes taller. Full sun is preferred, and part shade is also listed. Soil can be well drained, moist or occasionally wet. Dry soil is not tolerated. High humidity is the condition recorded.

• Hardiness: Zones 7a–9b¹

Winter care

Redwood is an evergreen conifer. Zone 7a is the coldest zone listed, and zone 9b is the warmest. No cited source records a minimum temperature. Wet soil is tolerated and dry soil is not. High humidity is listed for this tree. Branch canker may girdle stems and branches. No pruning is needed.

• Hardiness: Zones 7a–9b¹

How to propagate a Redwood

The propagation methods listed for redwood are seed, root cuttings and stem cuttings. Each of the three methods is recorded for this species. The species is native to California and Oregon. In the lower 48 United States its native status is native. Redwood is a fast grower, averaging 3 feet (0.9 m) per year. It is an evergreen conifer tree.

• Propagation: Seed, root cuttings and stem cuttings¹

Common problems

Cedar bark beetle, cypress bark beetle and ambrosia beetle are the pests listed for redwood. The diseases listed are phytophthora ramorum, butt rot, branch canker and heart rot. Branch canker may girdle stems and branches. Heart rots can cause extensive damage. Phytophthora ramorum has been reported on coast redwood in California.

• Common pests: cedar bark beetle, cypress bark beetle and ambrosia beetle³
• Common diseases: phytophthora ramorum, butt rot, branch canker and heart rot^4,1

Questions and answers

How much sun does a redwood tree need?

Full sun is preferred, and part shade is also listed. Full sun means six or more hours of direct sunlight a day.

Does redwood tolerate dry soil?

Redwood tolerates wet soil, but it does not tolerate dry soil. Water needs fall between medium and wet. Soil can be well drained, moist or occasionally wet.

Where is redwood hardy?

Redwood is listed for USDA zones 7a to 9b. It is native to California and Oregon. In the lower 48 states its native status is native.