Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

The coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) is a magnificent tree and a natural treasure along the west coast where they have grown to amazing heights. But for a small backyard in Santa Cruz it is not so suitable. The tree grows 3-5 feet each year for the first five years when it is young and will reach a height that will screen the power line quite quickly. But as it surpasses its needed screening height and keeps growing, it may become a liability and it would be unfortunate if it had to be removed while it still is young in age. The tree could reach 400-500 years in age and grow to 200-300 feet. Eventually it will lose its lower branches and have a bare trunk for the first 50-100 feet from the ground.
Some of the cultivars of coast redwoods though may be suitable for your screening task. Michelee Le Strange, UC Master Gardener Advisor has published an article on Coast Redwoods as Landscape Trees and indicates that there are about 10 cultivars available in the nursery trade. She writes, “Nurseries sell about 10 cultivars of coast redwood.  Some of the most popular are:  ‘Aptos Blue’ (blue-green foliage, dense growth, horizontal branches), ‘Majestic Beauty’ (blue-green foliage, dense growth, pendulous branches, ‘Los Altos’ (dark green, dense growth, arching branches), ‘Simpson’s Silver’ (silver-blue, somewhat open growth habit, slower growing), ‘Soquel’ (medium green, finer texture, branches turn up at tips), ‘Filoli’ and ‘Woodside’ (blue, drooping branches, irregular shape), and ‘Santa Cruz’ (light green, softer texture, downward branches).  Notice how most are named after coastal CA towns.” She also cautions growing coast redwoods where it is too hot during the summer.  She says, “If you have a soil that is neutral in pH, drains well and water that is low in alkalinity, then they might perform well.  If your soil is heavy clay or high in pH and saline, then you will have less luck.  Redwoods like lawn watering, but give them a deep irrigation on a monthly basis.  It also helps to cut down on water evaporation from the soil surface by applying a thick layer of organic mulch.  This will also modify the surface temperature and help keep their roots cooler.”
Take a good look at the maximum spread of the cultivars that Michelle Strange lists above and perhaps there is one that is not quite as fast-growing, tall-growing or spreads as wide (many will ultimately be 15-40 feet wide) for your backyard.
Also, horticulture teacher, Peter Shaw has an informative blog about the Trees of Santa Cruz County where he posted an excellent article with pictures about the coast redwood and has some important messages about the do’s and don’ts of tree selection and cultivar selection.
The giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) is also a massive evergreen tree reaching 250 feet in height.
To find alternatives to the redwoods for your back garden, use the Combination Search feature of our Native Plant Database. Select the search categories: California, Tree, Perennial, Evergreen and the height you think would make the best screening plant. This will give you a list of alternate plants such as the firs, cypress, junipers, and pines to consider. Take a close look at the optimum space requirements, soil conditions, water needs and ultimate heights.