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Dawn Redwood not growing?

14 years ago

Hey everyone! I have a sapling Dawn Redwood tree that is about a month old and is currently about 6 inches tall. I have a question about its growth though. It has stopped growing and seems to just be growing bigger, longer branches. The branches are longer than the tree is tall. Anyone have any idea why this may be?

Thanks!

Ryan

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Comments (10)

gardener365
14 years ago
Just hold off until you establish a leader. That's a young sapling just trying to get as much photosynthesis going as possible right now.

Dax
ltruett
14 years ago
I have noticed the growth to be a little wild and uneven the first year. Next year when it starts growing again, it should have a nice straight leader. I will try and take some pictures of the ones I started this year in the next day or two.
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Bald cypress' autumn foliage assumes a rusty-brown color at best. Tamaracks (larches, Larix spp.) are another deciduous conifer that does have yellow fall color. Young tamaracks are similar in appearance to bald cypress and dawn redwood. Being someone in a colder climate, I can't speak for dawn redwood; it isn't hardy here in Minnesota. But bald cypress does just fine. I planted mine ten years ago as a six foot tree in a backyard ditch. It is now 30-35 feet tall and starting to srow those knobs in the surrounding soil. And I'm delighted by the butressed trunk, too. Bald cypress is one of my favorite trees.
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Is the tree in a pot or is it planted in the ground? From the picture it looks like the tree is on a wooden patio. If the tree is in a pot, it is probably suffering from tangled roots and nutrient-deficient soil. You should plant it in the ground. If you see any roots that are obviously wrapping around (such as in this picture http://www.flickr.com/photos/imarcc/2568829676/ ) you should try to gently untangle them. If you don't feel confident that you can untangle them without damaging them, plant them in the ground as is. If you're able to keep the soil around it moist for the duration of the summer (ie. by watering at least twice a week), it should survive. Here are some more detailed instructions: http://www.arborday.org/trees/planting/containerized.cfm This post was edited by bluecone on Mon, Jun 16, 14 at 21:38
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ltruett
14 years ago
Here are some in 2nd year showing a nice leader.
ryan_tree
Original Author
14 years ago
Wow, those guys have got some big leaders. Nice trunks as well. My two year olds look nowhere near as good as those guys. THeir buds are still breaking as well.
ltruett
14 years ago
Some pictures of the DR I have been growing. Full sun with highs close to or over 100 degrees lately.
2nd year almost 3 feet

1st year almost 2 feet

Comparison of regular foliage and one DR that is different from the rest
lou_spicewood_tx
14 years ago
Interesting. I'll have to look at them in person whenever I get to Houston. You may have an unique DR that everybody would want a scion to graft if it turns out to be different from regular DR, who knows?
Toronado3800 Zone 6 St Louis
14 years ago
Nice trees 1truett! Time to start thinking of different ways of describing the foliage of your unique seedling. 1st to get yourself a patent, then so you can sell it
gardener365
14 years ago
patent's suck. i'd never do such a thing to the friendly gardeners out there.

Dax
ryan_tree
Original Author
14 years ago
Here is a couple pictures of the little guy. Very strange. As you might be able to tell, it looks like there is no leader at all.
lou_spicewood_tx
14 years ago
I wonder if you got the weepy type??

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