Planting a Coastal Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) in Australia: Tips for Successful Transplanting

Moving a Young Sequoia to a Rural Property

Anita from Australia writes about an 8-year-old Sequoia sempervirens (coastal redwood) grown from seed, currently 5–6 feet tall and likely rootbound in its container. She plans to give it to an acquaintance with ample land for planting next week, during Australian autumn (temperatures 45–65°F). Both want the tree to thrive.

Expert Advice for Transplanting

Timing: Autumn is an excellent planting time for redwoods. The cooler temperatures reduce transplant shock and allow root establishment before winter.

Soil Preparation: Amend the planting hole and backfill soil with peat moss or a sustainable alternative like coconut coir or composted bark. Mix thoroughly to improve moisture retention and acidity, which redwoods prefer.

Rootball Handling: Remove the tree from its pot. If roots are circling (pot-bound), make four to six vertical slices ½ inch deep along the rootball, spaced 4–6 inches apart. This encourages outward root growth and prevents girdling.

Planting Depth: Set the top of the rootball level with the surrounding ground. Create a shallow saucer-shaped berm around the filled hole to capture rainwater and irrigation.

Watering Regime: After planting, apply 5–10 gallons of water slowly. Repeat every two weeks if no significant rain occurs, until daytime temperatures stay consistently below 60°F. Once the tree drops its leaves (dormancy), water only during extended winter droughts. Resume biweekly watering in spring if rainfall is lacking for 1–2 weeks. Avoid overwatering—frequent watering can kill the tree.

Long-Term Care: After the first year, supplemental watering is only needed during droughts. Fertilize twice yearly with an acid-loving evergreen fertilizer, following label rates.

With proper planting and care, this coastal redwood can become a magnificent, long-lived specimen on the rural property.