Dawn Redwood

Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides)  Once thought to be extinct, this remarkable tree was rediscovered in China in the 1940s and has since become a favorite among gardeners and collectors. Dawn Redwoods develop striking reddish-brown bark, brilliant green summer foliage, and a gorgeous coppery-bronze color in fall before dropping their needles for the winter. 

Choose a planting location with full sun and plenty of room for your Dawn Redwood to reach its mature size. Dig a hole approximately twice as wide as the tree’s root ball, but no deeper than the root ball itself, and loosen the surrounding soil to encourage root growth. Place the tree so the top of the root ball is level with, or slightly above, the surrounding soil grade, then backfill with the native soil and water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets. Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the root zone, keeping the mulch a few inches away from the trunk. Keep the soil consistently moist during the first growing season, particularly during periods of heat or drought, as adequate moisture will help your Dawn Redwood establish a strong, healthy root system.