Giant redwood, big tree and giant sequoia are all common names for Sequoiadendron giganteum, an evergreen species of tree native to the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains in California. Gardeners within U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 6 to 9 can grow giant redwoods at home as landscaping trees if they provide them with ample space and well-draining soil. Younger giant redwood trees grow fairly fast and benefit from regular feeding to enhance their size and appearance; however, the fertilizer must be well-balanced and acidic to create the ideal soil conditions for vigorous growth.
Measure out a 10-foot radius around the base of the giant redwood tree using a tape measure. Mark the radial line with the tip of the shovel to create a visual guideline of where to apply the fertilizer.
Rake the soil within the 10-foot radius to roughen the soil surface, which will help keep the fertilizer from washing away once it is applied. Apply gentle pressure when raking to avoid harming the shallow roots that giant redwoods create just below the surface of the soil.
Sprinkle mildly acidic, 10-10-10 ratio fertilizer onto the soil within the 10-foot radius. Apply it as evenly as possible. Mist the area heavily with a garden hose to partially dissolve the fertilizer, but do not water heavily at this point because the fertilizer will pool unevenly.
Let the moisture soak in and the fertilizer granules dissolve completely for 20 to 30 minutes. Water a second time. Mist the fertilized area for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the soil is saturated in the top 4 to 5 inches.
Test the soil pH the following day using a pH test kit. Look for a pH of between 5.5 to 6.5, which is moderately to mildly acidic. Spread a 4-inch-thick layer of acidic compost such as pine needles or rotted oak leaves within the 10-foot radius if the soil test kit reads 6.6 or higher.
Fertilize the giant redwood yearly for the first five years after planting. Do it in spring before active growth begins. Cease supplemental nutrition once the tree reaches 20 feet in height and takes on its characteristic pyramidal shape.
Your Planting Articles
Things You Will Need
- Measuring tape
- 10-10-10 ratio fertilizer
- Garen hose with misting nozzle
- Soil pH test kit
- Acidic compost
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