Dawn Redwood

Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides)

Dawn Redwood is a fast-growing, long-lived shade tree that brings soft texture and strong structure to large landscapes. Its feathery, bright green foliage creates an airy canopy that cools the space without making it feel dark or closed in. As the seasons change, the needles turn warm coppery tones in fall, then drop cleanly to reveal an attractive branching framework for winter. If you want a big tree with a refined look and reliable performance, this is a standout choice.

Distinctive Features

This deciduous conifer develops a straight trunk and a classic pyramidal form when young, then becomes broader and more stately with age. The foliage is arranged on delicate branchlets that give the tree a soft, fern-like appearance, while its rapid growth helps it quickly become a dominant landscape feature. Mature trees commonly reach 70 to 100 feet tall with a spread of 25 to 35 feet, making it best suited to open sites where its full scale and elegant silhouette can be appreciated.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun for best growth and a full, symmetrical canopy.
• Soil: Adaptable to many soils, including moist soils, but it performs best in evenly moist, well-drained ground.
• Water: Water regularly during establishment, then provide consistent moisture, especially during hot or dry periods.
• USDA Zones: Zones 5 to 8.
• Deer: Deer may browse young growth, so protect young trees where pressure is high.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use as a focal point in large-scale landscapes where its height and soft texture can be appreciated from a distance.
• Shade Tree: Develops into a tall, airy shade tree that cools outdoor areas without creating heavy shade.
• Screening: Plant in rows for tall, seasonal screening where fast growth and vertical presence matter.
• Statement Planting: Anchor open lawns, driveways, or property edges with a strong, upright silhouette.
• Moist Sites: Performs well near ponds or low areas where soil moisture is more consistent.

Low Maintenance Care

• Planting: Give ample room for mature height and spread, and avoid tight spaces near structures or overhead lines.
• Mulching: Apply a mulch ring to stabilize moisture and reduce weeds, keeping mulch off the trunk.
• Pruning: Prune minimally, removing only dead or damaged branches, since the tree naturally maintains a strong form.
• Watering: Deep water consistently during the first two seasons and during drought to support rapid, healthy growth.
• Spacing: Allow good air flow and canopy room so the tree can develop its natural shape without crowding.

Why Choose Dawn Redwood?

• Fast Growth: Builds height and presence quickly, making it useful for shade and screening.
• Refined Texture: Feathery foliage adds a soft, elegant look that stands apart from most large trees.
• Seasonal Interest: Coppery fall color and a clean winter silhouette provide year-round appeal.
• Adaptable Performance: Handles a range of soils when moisture is consistent and drainage is adequate.
• Landscape Presence: A true canopy tree that creates scale, structure, and a sense of place.

If you have room for a big, beautiful tree, Dawn Redwood delivers quickly and looks better as it matures. Its airy canopy, seasonal color, and strong form make it an excellent long-term investment for open lawns, property edges, and large landscape designs.