Redwoods Planted in Heat Wave: Container Stress, Overwatering Risk, and Triage

Pre-Planting Damage Likely

2 days in containers during heat wave = root ball overheating + drying. Brown tips at planting = damage already done.

Current Watering = Dangerous

"Heavy watering" on heat-stressed roots = rot. Redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) need moist, not saturated, soil.

Triage Protocol

1. Water 1″ every OTHER day (pan test) until fall cooling.
2. Mulch 3″ pine straw, not touching trunks.
3. Shade cloth 30% if possible.
4. Accept low survival odds—211 trees = expect losses.

Lesson

Plant in fall. If summer planting unavoidable: stage planting over cool days, keep roots shaded/moist pre-plant, water precisely.