Question
My husband would like to plant redwood trees between our house and the fence line.  How much space should we allow for branches?  Also, is this a good idea given that the roots can lift cement?

Answer
I assume you are talking about Dawn Redwood Metasequoia glyptostrobides. These are the smaller version of the Coastal Redwood. They have a width of 20-30 feet at maturity. Which means 10 feet the branches extend from the trunk. It will need space to grow. It is used along fences where there is space. The roots extend out about 1 1/2 times the width if the branches and at the outer limit seldom cause damage since the roots on the outer edge are small and diffuse. The branches can be pruned to make the tree have a narrower crown.  

Those low areas - that puddle after heavy rains - will kill almost any tree, except Dawn Redwoods.

Even grows in standing water.

Dawn Redwoods are considered by many to be the Fastest Growing Conifer. Under ideal conditions they have been reported to grow up to 5 feet per year.

Once very hard-to-find trees, but recent demand has boosted cultivation so that everyone can have access to this beautiful tree!

The Dawn Redwood抯 beautiful, fern-like foliage develops in the spring and turns a gentle gold in the fall.

Great when planted alone as an ornamental tree or in groupings.

A great tree for borders and fence lines.

Grows consistently into a pyramidal form and makes an attractive shade tree.

Plant away from foundations and plan for it eventually being a large tree.

Adaptable to almost any soil - except desert sand ?can withstand both moderate flooding and drought.

These unique trees are great in open spaces... but also look attractive in rows