I regularly am struck by how lucky I am to have grown up around Redwood trees and to now get to work with them. Growing along the coast from southern Monterey county to southern Oregon, the majesty of a towering redwood tree is but minutes away for most Sonoma County residents. Being the tallest recorded tree in the world (a tree named Hyperion, measured at 380 ft), the redwood tree is the California state tree and is a major tourist attraction for people from all over the world.
Do yourself a favor and visit one of our beautiful county parks that display these trees in all their glory: Armstrong woods, Landpaths Grove of Old Trees, or head up north to Humboldt county and the Redwood National Park to see the largest redwood trees that are alive today!
Typical Maintenance
Like all urban trees, recommended maintenance for Redwood trees depends greatly on its location. Some common practices that should be considered with redwoods are:
- Clearance pruning over buildings, walkways etc.
- Removal of major deadwood and broken branches
- Reduction pruning of heavy, overextended branches
- Removal of co-dominant tops
Pests/diseases
Redwoods are more resistant to pests and diseases than most conifers because of tannins in their bark, but there are some to look out for, especially with the added drought stress that most of our redwood trees are facing.
Redwood canker fungus (Botryosphaeria), is an opportunistic fungus that can infect stressed redwood trees, usually those that are drought stressed. If the infection is minor, removal of infected areas through proper pruning will help reduce the spread of the fungus.
Other common pests and diseases found in redwood trees are fungal root rot, Botrytis blight, and bark beetles.
If your redwood tree is showing die back, or yellowing of needles, it would be best to have a certified arborist come out to evaluate your tree. Often the best course of action, whether or not your redwood is showing signs of stress or disease is to improve the growing environment.
Preferred growing environment
Planting site: Redwoods are large, and so should be given plenty of above and below ground space. I recommend a minimum of 15 feet of separation between a redwood tree and any hardscaping. As young trees they should get partial shade.
Irrigation and soil: Redwoods need well draining soil and frequent watering. In the heat of summer, most redwoods should be receiving a deep watering once a week. If the soil is compacted and slow draining this will be a problem for redwoods and can lead to root rot. Adding mulch to your soil will help improve its structure and allow for better water and nutrient uptake from your trees.
If you have any questions about your redwood trees, please reach out to us at Longtreecare@gmail.com, or 707-483-2208.
