Dawn Redwood

(May 2010)

I just returned from a trip to California, and after seeing the huge redwoods I really want one for my yard. I realize I would not be around to see it in all its glory, but how I would smile every time I looked at it. Since I haven't seen redwoods in central Arkansas, there must be a reason. What conditions are required (soil PH, water requirements, etc), and would it be worth a try?

The giant redwood trees (Sequoiadendron giganteum) and the Coastal Redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) which grow to 300 feet or more are quite impressive. The giant redwood tree will tolerate drier conditions and actually could probably do fine in Arkansas, yet I have never seen one at a nursery nor in an Arkansas landscape. You will probably have to mail order one. The Coastal redwood trees don’t like the heat and humidity of our summers. They do best in moist acidic soils with high atmospheric moisture. A close relative is the dawn redwood: Metasequoia glyptostroboides which will grow quite nicely in Arkansas and should be available from local nurseries.

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