Plant Dawn Redwood Trees In Your Yard For Vibrant Fall Color And A Natural Privacy Screen

For homeowners fortunate enough to have the space for them, there are few trees more stunning than the dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides). These massive trees can reach 100 feet in height and have a spread of around 25 feet, making them perfect for providing your yard with shade and creating privacy. You won't have to wait long for your tree to grow super tall, either, as dawn redwoods are fast growing, with an average rate of about 2 feet per year. They also turn a stunning coppery brown color in autumn before dropping their needle-like leaves in winter and showing off their impressive trunks. 

That's right, dawn redwoods are deciduous conifers. That isn't the only unusual thing about them, either. They were first found in ancient fossils from North America, Asia, and Europe, before living specimens were recorded in China in the 1940s. With a conversation-starting history, stunning beauty, and an imposing stature, what's not to love about the dawn redwood?

Hardy in zones 4 through 8, dawn redwoods are perfect for creating interest and privacy in previously vacant fields or large yards. While they prefer moist and well-draining soil, these trees can handle a variety of soil types as long as they aren't alkaline. Whether your yard is prone to being parched, perpetually soggy, or switches between the two, dawn redwoods can still flourish, as they thrive in damp soil while also being somewhat drought resistant. One thing your dawn redwood will need is to be planted in a spot where it can get full sun.

Considering their massive size, you might not expect to see dawn redwoods growing in cities. However, since they're unbothered by pollution and most pests, they're relatively popular street trees in areas where they won't damage sidewalks or power lines. They are also deer resistant, so you don't have to worry about them being nibbled by hungry visitors if you haven't yet found a way to keep deer out of your yard.