evergreen tree
Coast Redwood: pruning, storm risk and removal
Sequoia sempervirens. Also called California redwood, redwood.
Plain-English notes for homeowners, plus field notes for tree crews. General guidance only: for one specific tree, have a local insured pro look at it.
Coast Redwood at a glance
| Height | 60-100 ft in yards, 200-300+ ft in old groves |
|---|---|
| Spread | 20-40 ft |
| Growth rate | Fast |
| USDA zones | 7-9 |
| Lifespan | Typically 500-1,000+ years in the wild |
| Type | Evergreen |
| Native range | The foggy coastal strip of northern California and extreme southwest Oregon. |
| Roots | Shallow and wide-spreading. Roots often fuse with neighbor trees in groves. They need steady moisture near the surface and do not like compacted or paved-over soil. |
| Wood | Light, soft and reddish. The heartwood resists rot and insects well, which is why it is used for decking and fences. The wood is weak in bending and the bark is thick, fibrous and spongy. |
| Storm risk | mediumThe roots are shallow, so a lone tree in the open can blow over in strong wind on soft, wet ground. Trees in groups support each other and usually do better. |
Typical ranges, not guarantees. Soil, water, space and care change how a tree grows. Storm risk is our general rating for the species, not an inspection.
For homeowners
Caring for a coast redwood
Best time to prune
Remove dead or low branches in late fall or winter while the tree is quiet. Keep the central leader. Typically take off no more than a quarter of the live crown in one year.
Avoid pruning
Do not top it. Do not cut a branch back to bare, needle-free wood. New shoots from old wood are uneven and weak, so cut back to a live side branch instead. Avoid heavy cuts during hot, dry summer weeks.
More on timing: when to prune trees.
- Give a redwood room. A tree that looks small today can reach well over 60 ft and spread its roots wide.
- Water deeply during dry months, especially outside its foggy home range. Brown, dropping needles often point to water stress.
- Keep the soil around the roots free of paving, heavy traffic and piled fill.
- If you see leaning, cracks or a bulge at the base, ask a certified arborist to look before the next storm.
Safety first
Do not climb a tree or use a chainsaw on storm-loaded or broken wood. If a tree or limb is touching power lines, stay away and call the utility. If someone is in danger, call 911. For anything big, hire a local insured pro: read how to hire a tree service and is my tree dangerous?
Lirevon does not do tree work. Find local pros on Google Maps and read their reviews, then get two or three written quotes.
For tree crews
Field notes: working on coast redwood
- 1Expect long, heavy limbs and a big wide base. Plan rigging and drop zones before the first cut.
- 2The fibrous bark and wood can clog chippers and dull chains faster than hardwood, so keep chains sharp.
- 3Check for hollow or decayed butts. Old trees can look sound and still be hollow inside.
- 4Redwoods resprout from the stump and root crown. Tell the customer and plan stump grinding or follow-up.
Removal notes
Most yard redwoods are very tall and have heavy, long limbs, so removal often needs climbers and sometimes a crane. The trunk is wide at the base and the wood is stringy, which can slow chipping and cutting. Redwoods often resprout from the stump and root crown, so ask the crew about grinding and watching for new shoots. Get a written quote.
Wood
Light, soft and reddish. The heartwood resists rot and insects well, which is why it is used for decking and fences. The wood is weak in bending and the bark is thick, fibrous and spongy.
Pricing this job? Try the tree job estimator. Follow your own safety plan and crew training on every job.
Common problems for coast redwood
Pests and diseases to watch for. Each link explains signs and what to do.
Trees often mistaken for it
Check the leaves, bark and shape before you decide how to prune or treat.
Where coast redwood grows
Native range: The foggy coastal strip of northern California and extreme southwest Oregon.
Common in these US regions. Tap one to see other trees there.
Free tools for this tree
They run in your browser and nothing is sent anywhere. Results are estimates.
Coast Redwood: common questions
How big does a coast redwood get in a yard?
It is a fast grower. In a yard it often reaches 60-100 ft within a few decades, and it keeps growing. In old groves along the coast trees pass 200 ft. It is a poor fit for a small lot.
Can I grow a coast redwood outside California?
It typically does best in USDA zones 7-9 with mild winters, damp air and regular water. Hot, dry or windy sites stress it. Check with your local extension office before planting.
Why are the needles on my redwood turning brown?
The most common cause is dry soil or dry air. Other causes include root problems from soggy soil, compaction, or damage from nearby building work. A certified arborist can tell which one it is.
Is it safe to prune the top of a redwood?
No. Topping hurts the tree and creates weak regrowth. If the tree is too tall for the site, a pro can discuss removal. Do not prune near power lines yourself.
Do redwood roots damage foundations and pipes?
The roots are wide and shallow and can lift paving and walkways. They search for water, so cracked or leaking pipes can attract them. Plant well away from buildings and lines.
Does a redwood grow back after it is cut down?
Often yes. Coast redwoods typically sprout from the stump and root crown. Stump grinding and removing the sprouts early helps stop regrowth. Ask your crew about it when you get a quote.
More trees in the same regions
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