With its amazing features, a sequoia tree brings a lot of joy to its owner. The Californian plant is extremely easy to care for and is even hardy. However, there are some exceptions to the latter property. Here you can find out when you can overwinter your redwood tree outside and what protective measures you should take if you don't.
Is the sequoia tree hardy?
Sequoia trees are hardy and can survive temperatures down to -30°C. Winter hardiness increases with age, but young shoots under one year old require winter protection and sensitive roots should be protected from ground frost with an insulating layer of mulch.
The sequoia tree - naturally robust
The thick bark of the sequoia tree not only protects it from damage caused by forest fires, but also serves as an effective protective layer in winter. The Sequoia can usually even survive temperatures of -30°C without any problems. Winter hardiness increases with age. However, the sequoia tree has a kind of hibernation in which its growth stagnates. So fertilizing is pointless during this time.
When is winter protection necessary?
As a rule, a sequoia tree survives the winter in every growth phase. However, sometimes it makes sense to take some additional protective measures.
- protect your sequoia tree from strong gusts of wind
- continue to ensure adequate watering even in winter
- cover the soil with an insulating layer of mulch
- it is better to store young sequoia trees in protected areas
Young shoots
Sequoia trees are able to overwinter outdoors from one year onwards. If your specimen has not yet reached this age, you should overwinter the young shoot indoors. It is therefore practical to cultivate it in a bucket for as long as possible. Cool cellars, garages or special greenhouses are recommended. Instead, you should avoid heavily heated rooms.
Sensitive Roots
Sequoia trees are used to both hot summers and icy winters. However, you should not expose them to strong autumn storms as branches quickly snap. As robust as the trunk may be, the roots are just as sensitive. They lie close to the earth's surface and therefore react very sensitively to ground frost. A layer of mulch has an insulating effect and protects against frostbite. Even in winter, you must always keep the substrate moist.
What's with the brown color?
Young sequoia trees in particular take on a brown, reddish or purple needle color in winter. This shows sensitivity to the cold, but the Sequoia is not harmed by it. With sufficient watering and rising temperatures in spring, the green will appear again. An exception is the coast redwood. This variety is evergreen.
