Growing a Sequoia in Zone 5: Slow and Steady Recovery

It is the middle of the summer and sequoias are still just getting over the stress caused by last winter. This week marked the first time since the loss of the leaders that survivors pushed above 50 inches. The new leader #33 is now the tallest one that has ever been in this experiment, standing at 51". It is firmly on the way to recovery with three large branches at the bottom growing strong new volume. The middle part is still fairly barren but there is a large number of new shoots sprouting along the trunk.

#33 at 51" on July 7 2017 Close to 5 years old

The second tallest tree is much stronger overall. #104 stands just shy of 44" but has a very strong overall volume. As already mentioned a few times, #104 had a difficult time adjusting last summer after the move to this permanent location but had a remarkable growth in late autumn of 2016. It appears that what ever happened with the tree then positioned it for continued success during 2017 season:

#104 43.75" July 8 2017. Almost 5 years old

Closing out top 3 is #212, a whole year younger tree that for some reason was least affected by last year's fungus and last winter cold.

#212 at 39.5" July 7 2017 4 years old

At 39.5 inches and very strong overall volume it appears to be the strongest tree of the lot.

The middle of the pack is about equal mix of four and five year old trees. Several severely damaged five year olds still have not reached pre-winter height. Side branches appear to achieve significant gains but without strong central leads they do not have much success with getting back on track.

The next wave of young seedlings is chilling in the partial shade:

This year crop is unusually strong. It can be attributed to a much better early stage survival based on heavy fungicide application. So far about one quarter of all new sequoias have been moved outside. Majority of the 2017 seedlings are still in their starter 2x9" containers inside the house under artificial light and 78F temperature. They will slowly migrate outside throughout the summer and the Fall. They will spend the winter outside but under strong wind and thermal protection.

A partial shade structure was built to store and train young sequoias to the sun's UV radiation: