How to Care for My Young Giant Sequoia

Supplying water to young trees is vital for proper root development.

Giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) is the largest tree in the world and belongs to the same family as the redwood. This long-lived tree is commonly called Sierra redwood and giant redwood. Native to the United States, this gigantic evergreen grows best in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 to 8. Growing this beast in the landscape requires planning and care since giant sequoias reach more than 60 feet in height with spreads of more than 25 feet.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Mulch
• Hand pruners

Instructions

1. Find a site to plant giant sequoia trees with full sunlight and well-draining soil. Select a site with plenty of room in all directions for the expected size of a mature tree.

2. Dig up an area that is at least three times the width of the giant sequoia’s root system or container to allow the tree’s roots to expand. Make the hole the same depth or a little shallower to allow for settling. The young giant sequoia should never be planted deeper in the ground than it grew in the nursery.

3. Drench the newly planted tree with water to settle the soil around the roots and to remove any possible air pockets.

4. Spread a 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch around the base of the giant sequoia tree but keep the mulch a few inches away from the tree’s trunk. Expand the mulch out as far as needed to cover the area beneath the giant sequoia’s canopy. Top off this layer each year to uphold the same depth, and widen as needed to keep up with the tree’s growing canopy.

5. Water the giant sequoia tree regularly for several seasons from spring through fall to ensure the tree’s roots develop and expand. Supply water at a slow rate to the area beneath and beyond the tree’s canopy. Water less often when it rains or during the winter season, and only during dry periods after the giant sequoia is established.

6. Prune a giant sequoia only as needed to remove frail, diseased or damaged branches.

Tips & Warnings

• Don’t add any type of soil amendments when planting the giant sequoia or fertilize the tree for at least two seasons after planting.

References

• Arbor Day Foundation: Giant Sequoia
• North Carolina State University; Sequoiadendron Giganteum; Erv Evans
• Trees Are Good: New Tree Planting

Resources

• Trees Are Good: Tree Care Information
• Arbor Day Foundation: 9 Tree Care Tips and Techniques