Would you like to enrich your garden with a very special plant? How about a sequoia tree? Nurturing the American giant isn't all that difficult. With the care instructions from this article, a very special specimen will soon decorate your property.
How do you properly care for a sequoia tree?
Caring for a sequoia tree includes regular watering without waterlogging, fertilizing from the second year onwards, pruning if necessary, protection from frost in winter as well as from pests and fungal infections. Trees living in pots require additional nutrients and sufficient space.
Caring for the sequoia tree
Pouring
Although the sequoia tree is very easy to care for, it does not tolerate drought. Always keep the substrate moist to reduce susceptibility to fungal infections. Daily watering is recommended. Especially in the warm summer months, the need can increase to several waterings per day. This is particularly necessary at a young age. The fair measure is very important. Waterlogging again damages the sequoia tree. Here are three tips that will save you effort and ensure an appropriate amount of water:
- cover the soil around the trunk with a layer of bark mulch. This prevents evaporation and keeps the substrate moist for longer
- A small trench directs the irrigation water directly to the roots and thus optimizes the supply. A few centimeters are enough
- use water that is as soft as possible, for example stale tap water or rainwater
Fertilize
Since the sequoia tree is growing rapidly, it has a corresponding need for nutrients. In the first year, the garden soil still provides sufficient supply. However, from the second year onwards, you should help with fertilizer (€9.00 on Amazon). You can tell when the time is right when new shoots appear. Suitable materials are
- Compost, which you sprinkle about 2 cm thick on the substrate
- or an organic-mineral fertilizer that is available as a stick that you press into the soil
pruning
Pruning the sequoia tree is usually not necessary. You should only thin out branches that are too close from time to time. However, if you wish to inhibit growth, cuttings are a recommended measure.
Wintering
You should gradually accustom sequoia trees to the fresh air. If you haven't planted your Sequoia in the ground yet, you need to protect it from frost in the winter. Store it in an enclosed area such as a garage or a cool basement.
Protection from pests
The sequoia tree is susceptible to a special fungal infection, which initially causes a brownish discoloration of the needles and later causes the tree to die completely. This fungus usually penetrates the interior of the trunk through wounded areas in the bark. If you notice abrasions in the bark, you should seal them with foil or apply a special pesticide.
Bucket keeping
A special way to cultivate the sequoia tree is to keep it in a bucket. Please note that your Sequoia has an increased nutrient requirement. After the first fertilization in spring, a second application about three months later is recommended. You should also choose the pot big enough.
