If you’re new to growing a giant sequoia sapling or tree, the winter season can sometimes be a little alarming. You might look at your young sequoia and think, “Uh oh… is it dead?” The needles may brown, branches might look brittle, and growth will pause. But here’s the good news: this is completely normal. Your sequoia is not dying, it’s just going dormant.
Dormancy is the tree’s way of conserving energy during the colder months. Much like bears hibernate, sequoia trees enter a resting phase. This helps them survive winter conditions and prepare for healthy, renewed growth in the spring.
Common Misconceptions About Dormancy
“My tree looks dead, so it must be dead.”
This is the biggest misconception. While your sequoia sapling may appear lifeless, beneath the surface its root system is still alive and well. Once warmer weather arrives, you’ll see fresh growth emerge.
“If it isn’t green, I should throw it away.”
Please don’t! Many people mistakenly discard their giant sequoia seedlings during dormancy. The outer appearance may look rough, but the tree itself is storing energy to thrive in the coming season.
“Dormancy means my tree isn’t healthy.”
Not true. Dormancy is a sign of a healthy, adaptive tree. It means your sequoia is responding appropriately to the seasons, just as it would in the wild.
Caring for Your Sequoia During Dormancy
- Water sparingly. Keep the soil slightly moist but don’t overwater, the tree isn’t actively drinking as much during dormancy.
- Protect from extreme cold. If you live in a harsh climate, add a layer of mulch for insulation or move potted trees to a sheltered area.
- Be patient. Remember: new growth will return in spring
Why Dormancy Matters
Dormancy isn’t something to fear, it’s something to celebrate. It means your sequoia is following its natural rhythm and preparing for long-term growth. After all, these giants are built for endurance, living thousands of years and reaching over 200 feet tall. Your giant sequoia tree is simply taking the first steps on that remarkable journey.
At National Sequoias, we remind growers that dormancy is proof your tree is adapting exactly as it should. When spring returns, your patience will be rewarded with lush, green growth that continues for generations.
Don’t Worry, Your Sequoia is Still Alive
If your giant sequoia sapling or tree looks “dead” in winter, don’t panic. It’s alive, resting, and doing exactly what it should be doing. Dormancy is a season of hidden strength, and come spring, you’ll be rewarded with vibrant new growth.
Grow Your Own Sequoia
Ready to grow your own legend? Don’t let dormancy fool you, your sequoia is alive and well, just waiting for spring to shine again. Explore our giant sequoia seed kits, saplings, and trees for sale to start (or continue) your journey today. Whether you’re planting in Michigan or anywhere across the country, you’ll be nurturing a tree that can thrive for thousands of years.
