Redwood trees (Sequoia sempervirens), among the tallest and most majestic trees on Earth, demand careful planning when it comes to spacing in outdoor gardens or plantations. Whether planting a single specimen, a grove, or a hedge, optimal spacing ensures strong growth, healthy development, and long-term sustainability.
Plant Spacing Calculator for Redwoods Trees
This detailed post covers everything about redwood tree spacing—from general principles and commercial planting density to home garden guidelines—with at least five practical tables to guide decision-making.
Why Is Proper Plant Spacing Essential for Redwood Trees?
Allow for Full Growth Potential: Mature coast redwoods grow 70–350 feet tall with a spread of 25–75 feet. Overcrowding stunts height and canopy development.
Root Development and Stability: Redwood roots can spread 60–80 feet horizontally and intertwine for ecosystem stability. Enough space prevents root competition and damage.
Healthy Air Circulation and Disease Prevention: Proper spacing reduces humidity and fungal risks.
Manageability and Maintenance: Adequate distances ease pruning, watering, mulch application, and pest control.
Avoid Structural Damage to Nearby Buildings: Roots and canopy growing too close to foundations risk damage.
Factors Influencing Redwood Spacing Decisions
Factor
Description
Purpose of Planting
Ornamental specimen, grove/screening, hedge, or commercial forestry
Space Availability
Size of garden, acreage, distance to property/buildings
Growth Habit
Mature spread of specific cultivar or clone
Soil and Site Conditions
Soil drainage, fertility, altitude, wind exposure
Maintenance Plan
Frequency of thinning and pruning
Desired Understory
Accepting dense shading or promoting ground vegetation
General Redwood Spacing Recommendations
From multiple expert sources, including Epic Gardening, Plant Detectives, and Farm Forestry New Zealand, spacing varies based on planting goals:
Planting Type
Spacing Between Plants
Notes
Single Specimen
20–40 feet from buildings
Allows full canopy and root growth
Shade Trees in Landscapes
20–40 feet apart
For mature large shade trees
Small Groves or Circles
~7 feet apart
Produces grove with smaller trees, manageable size
Hedges
3–4 feet apart
Will produce smaller, trimmed trees; dense hedge
Commercial Seedling Plantations
4 meters x 3 meters (13’ x 10’)
Equal to ~833 trees/ha; allows for future thinning
Thinning Plantation (Elite Trees)
4 meters x 4 meters (13’ x 13’)
~625 trees/ha; spaced for less thinning needed
Table 1: Redwood Spacing by Use Case
Use Case
In-Row Spacing (feet)
Between-Row Spacing (feet)
Density (Trees per Acre)
Comments
Ornamental Single Tree
N/A
N/A
1 per location
Minimum 20 ft clearance from structures
Home Garden Grove
7
7
Approx. 890
Small grove; trees smaller than full size
Hedge or Privacy Screen
3–4
—
High density
Annual topping recommended
Plantation for Forestry
13 (10–15)
10–13
1,000+
High density initial planting, thinning after
Plantation Thinning Stage
13
13
625
Less dense, elite tree growth favored
Table 2: Redwood Root Spread and Its Implications
Tree Age (Years)
Approximate Root Radius (Feet)
Root Interaction Risk
Recommended Spacing for Root Health (Feet)
Seedling (1)
<10
Low
10–15
Sapling (5)
20–30
Medium
20–30
Young tree (10)
40–50
High
30–40
Mature (>50)
60–80
Very High
40+
Note: Due to wide root spread, planting too close can cause underground competition, affecting tree stability and health.
Optimal Timing and Site Preparation
Best Planting Time: Early Spring or Fall; aligns with tree dormancy and moderate soil temperatures.
Soil Preferences: Deep, moist, well-drained soils with slightly acidic to neutral pH (~6.0–7.0).
Soil Amendment: Add compost or peat moss (up to 30%) in heavy clay or alkaline soils.
Moisture Needs: Consistent moisture critical while establishing; mature trees tolerate occasional drought but prefer steady moisture.
Table 3: Step-by-Step Planting and Spacing Considerations
Step
Description
Spacing Implication
Site Selection
Choose open, full sun location, well-drained soil
Allows recommended maximum canopy spread
Measuring and Marking Spacing
Mark planting holes at appropriate spacing with measuring tape and stakes
Prevents overcrowding and root competition
Hole Preparation
Dig holes twice width of root ball, matching planting depth
Ensures root expansion space
Planting Seedlings or Transplants
Place seedlings with root flare visible; water immediately
Confirm trees are 20–40 ft apart for mature growth
Mulching
Apply 3-inch organic mulch; keep mulch 2–3 inches from trunk
Promotes moisture retention; reduces weeds
Managing Closer Spacing: Screenings, Hedge Rows, and Groves
Redwoods can be planted more closely for specific landscaping goals:
Hedges: 3–4 feet spacing; requires annual topping to maintain form; trees stay smaller and denser.
Privacy Screens/Groves: 7–10 feet spacing creates a confinement of trees that retain more natural form.
Drawbacks: Smaller tree stature, more maintenance and pruning needed.
Table 4: Trade-offs of Redwood Spacing Strategies
Spacing Strategy
Maintenance Effort
Growth Form
Root System Consideration
Ideal Usage
Wide (20–40 ft)
Low; minimal pruning
Large, natural form
Root system develops fully
Specimen trees, shade, and estate plantings
Medium (7–10 ft)
Moderate pruning, thinning
Medium stature
Roots moderately intertwined
Groves, small woodlands
Close (3–4 ft hedges)
High maintenance; topping
Dense, compact hedge
Roots heavily intertwined
Formal hedges, privacy screens
Redwood Growth Rates and Spacing Impacts
Redwoods can grow 2–5 feet per year in height.
Wider spacing promotes faster diameter growth and longer crown development.
Dense planting leads to slender, taller but thinner trees needing thinning to avoid spindliness.
Table 5: Redwood Growth and Spacing Correlation
Spacing (Feet)
Expected Mature Height (Feet)
Diameter Growth Rate
Likely Canopy Width at Maturity
Notes
3–4 (Hedge)
30–50
Slow
10–15 ft
Trees remain small and bushy
7–10 (Groves)
75–100
Moderate
25–40 ft
Balanced growth with manageable canopy width
20–40 (Open Planting)
100+
Fast
50–75+ ft
Trees reach full size and grandeur
Long-Term Redwood Management and Thinning Tips
Initial High-Density Planting helps tree dominance and selection of best individuals.
Timely Thinning (typically 10-15 years post-planting) removes weak or spindly trees to improve vigor.
Weed Management critical first 2 years to reduce competition.
Protect Young Trees from browsing by deer and elk, possibly using fencing.
Annual Inspection and Maintenance aids in disease and pest control, especially during establishment.
Summary: Planning Your Redwood Spacing
Consideration
Recommendation
Single specimen tree
20–40 ft from buildings and other trees
Grove planting
7–10 ft spacing
Hedge planting
3–4 ft spacing with annual topping
Commercial forestry
10–15 ft spacing with periodic thinning
Root system space
Maintain minimum 20 ft spacing to avoid root competition
Soil and watering
Prefer moist, well-draining soil; consistent moisture early years
Final Thoughts
Redwood trees’ majestic stature demands space and thoughtful planning. Whether for a private garden, a naturalized grove, or a forestry project, spacing decisions shape their growth, stability, and aesthetics for decades or centuries.
By following the guidance and tables above, you can ensure your redwoods thrive beautifully and sustainably.