How to Grow and Maintain Sequoia Saplings

When you think of sequoia trees, California's redwood forest is one of the first things that come to mind. While sequoia trees favor the warm and moist climate in California, it is possible to grow them in almost all gardening zones. With some time, patience and diligence, you can grow sequoia trees in your own backyard.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Sequoia seedlings
• Full sun landscape
• Nutrient-rich soil
• Water
• Well-draining planter
• Nitrogen-rich fertilizer
• Organic mulch

1. Start seedlings in planters. Fill large planters with nutrient-rich soil. Plant seedlings in the soil.

2. Diligently water the tree seedlings. Do not let the soil become the slightest bit dry.

3. Fertilize saplings with nitrogen-rich fertilizers. Avoid organic fertilizers because they are not strong enough to support a sequoia tree.

4. Place the planter in sunny location. Place trees in partial sun when necessary, but know that they will grow tall and be thin.

5. Expect the trees to experience brownout in the hot summer months. Look for needles that turn yellow and gradually brown. Do not panic--this is natural, and the tree will recover.

6. Transplant trees after a few years into the ground. Mix in plenty of mulch with the soil.

7. Protect saplings and mature trees from extreme cold. Add a thick layer of mulch during the winter and cover the tree with burlap.

Tips & Warnings

• Use sequoia trees in your landscape to provide shade and wind protection.

• Sequoia trees will adjust to cold climates gradually.

• If the roots dry out, the tree will die almost immediately.

• Do not overfertilize sequoia trees.