January 4, 2011

Growing a Redwood tree demands a lot of water and some luck

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I"m ordering this tree in hopes of good results. I planted a redwood tree that was given to me about 10 years ago and although I water it well in summer, it has stood very quietly growing about six inches a year and it still isn't head high. You'd think results like that would give me pause, but I'm hoping with a nice, big hole and fertilizer that I will have better luck near the new house where I desperately need shade and something fresh and green outside the window.

This redwood start might be the one to do it for me. Although they thrive in the temperate rain forests of the Pacific Northwest, they can adapt to higher elevations and warmer and dryer climates, as well as colder areas. The secret is lots of water and sunshine. Sounds simple, huh? The product description says you can regulate the speed of growth by varying the light -- the lower the light, the slower the growth. We think these can be grown outdoors successfully from zones 5 through 9 if proper care is given. I live in zone 8.

At Nicely started California redwood tree - 22 inches high