Question
Hi Rick

I have what I think is a sequoia sempervirens that I grew from seed.  It's about 8 years old, around 5-6' tall and most likely rootbound in the container it's in.  It looks healthy.  I am moving and have decided to give it to an acquaintance who has a rural property.  As she has plenty of land, she wants to plant it out next week.  (We're in Australia, so it's fall right now, and this week temperatures are forecast to range from about 45-65癋).  We are both eager for the tree to survive, grow and be healthy.  I understand the Coastal Redwood requires frequent watering.  Is there any advice you can give us to help my beautiful tree begin a healthy life on her land?
Many thanks,
Anita

Answer
anita
i think the tree you speak of is called a dawn redwood in my area (New Jersey, USA). it is a deciduous conifer (much like a bald cypress)). fall is a good planting time. add peat moss or a suitable substitute (ground coconut husk, root mulch, etc.) to the hole you dig & the dirt taken from the hole. mix it in well. remove the tree from the pot. if there are a lot of circular roots showing (plant is pot bound) make 1/2 inch slices top to bottom of the root ball 4-6 inches apart. this will encourage new root development and discourage root girdling. plant it top of the rootball level w/the ground. form a saucer around the filled hole  to aid the plant in catching water when it rains or you water it. give it 5-10 gallons of water slowly. do this every 2 weeks (if no appreciable rain during that period) until day temps stay below 60. once the leaves fall it is dormant and you need only water it during the winter if it is a dry (drought ) winter. otherwise leave it alone. in the spring if no rain occurs for 1-2 weeks water it the same way. do not over water (watering too frequently will kill it). after the 1st year you shouldn't have to water unless you experience a drought. fertilize it w/the appropriate amount (read the label) of acid loving evergreen fertilizer 2 times per year.
they are a beautiful tree. enjoy it.