Coast redwood
Coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) has a slow growth rate for the first 6–8 years but generally begins to grow very fast in the following years. 1000 mm or more of annual rainfall and moist, deep soils are preferred. it is highly tolerant to poor-drainage sites.
Table 1: General characteristics for coast redwood
Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
Botanical name | Sequoia sempervirens |
Growth rate in preferred conditions | Very slow for first 6–8 years. Then very fast. |
Estimated rotation length (yr) in preferred conditions to produce 60 cm diameter at breast height | 30–35 |
Preferred annual rainfall (mm/yr) | 1000+ |
Minimum rainfall (mm/yr) | 800 |
Preferred elevation (m) ASL | 0–500 |
Preferred landscape position | Lower to mid slopes where soils are moist |
Preferred soil | Moist, deep soils in cool climates |
Prohibitive soil | Wet, heavy clay. Trees planted on deep sands can die back if soils become too dry. |
Poor drainage tolerance | High |
Dry site tolerance | Low. Improves after establishment (>5 years ) |
Frost tolerance | High |
Pest and disease problems: trees planted on unsuitable sites are more prone to insect and disease issues | A hardy species in this regard. Some susceptibility to Phytophthora cinnamomi. Cicadas can damage leaders and dead branches can offer entry points to borers, which can attack the heartwood. |
Table 2: Timber characteristics for coast redwood
Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
Strength: seasoned timber only | SD6: reasonably low |
Durability: in ground | above ground | 2 | 1 |
Drying: green to 12% moisture content | Slow to dry and minimal degrade. Shrinkage about 1.1% radial and 1.9% tangential |
Main commercial products | Paneling and cladding. Its durability makes it a natural choice for external joinery, outdoor furniture, windows and greenhouses |
Bushfire resistance: measured by bushfire attack level (BAL) | Not tested |
Least attractive features | Preference for cool climates means they generally grow best south of Great Dividing Range in Victoria. |
Most attractive features | Highly durable without treatment. Not susceptible to lyctid borer attack. Resistant to termites and easy to work |
Status as a plantation species | Becoming increasingly popular due to impressive performance and aesthetics on various properties in high-rainfall west and south Gippsland. |
Note: Timber characteristics and durability are based on Australian Standard: Timber Natural durability ratings (AS 5604–2005). Refer to the Appendix for an explanatory table. Where (?) applied, rating is based on field experience.
Note: Bushfire resistance measurement is based on naturally bushfire resisting timbers, which are those with inherent bushfire-resisting properties. For more information refer to Australian Standard 3959:2018.
Assumptions and notes
- Sites considered for planting contain at least one metre of soil above an impeding layer (e.g., bedrock or layer impenetrable to roots).
- Please note that most (if not all) eucalypts in Gippsland grow best on sheltered sites.
- Overall slow drying time across air and kiln-dried schedules is recommended to minimise drying degrade. This is the best starting point for inexperienced operators.
References
Beadle CL and Brown AG (eds) 2007. Acacia utilisation and management: adding value. RIRDC Publication No. 07/095, Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, Canberra.
Boland DJ et. al (1992). Forest trees of Australia. CSIRO Australia.
Bootle KR (1983). Wood in Australia – Types, properties and uses. McGraw Hill, Australia
Carnegie AJ (2002). Field guide to common pests and diseases in eucalypt plantations in NSW. Research and Development Division of State Forests, NSW.
Clarke B, McLeod I and Vercoe T (eds) 2009. Trees for farm forestry: 22 promising species. RIRDC Publication No. 09/015. Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, Canberra.
https://www.nzffa.org.nz/farm-forestry-model/species-selection-tool/species/cypress/macrocarpa/
https://www.nzffa.org.nz/system/assets/2056/Eucalypt_Information_Note_1_-_Choosing_eucalypts.pdf
https://www.nzffa.org.nz/farm-forestry-model/species-selection-tool/species/redwood/coast-redwood/
Mortimer J (2003). A selection of alternative timbers. Taitua Books, NZ.
National Association of Forest Industries (2004). Timber species and properties, revised edition. Timber Manual Datafile P1
Nicholas ID, Gifford HH and Kimberely MO (1997). Siting black walnut. FRI Bulletin no. 188
Phillips C (1996). Insects, diseases and deficiencies associated with eucalypts in South Australia. Primary Industries SA Forests.
Poole B, Waugh G and Yang JL (2017). Potential for growing and processing durable eucalypts in New Zealand. Publication No. SWP-T036. Solid Wood Innovation. Specialty Wood Products Research Partnership.
Reid R (2017). Heartwood. The art and science of growing trees for conservation and profit. Melbourne Books.
Tepper CJ (2002). Plantation eucalypt species for solid wood products – a profile of Eucalyptus muelleriana. Gottstein Fellowship Report for the Gottstein Memorial Trust
Tepper CJ (2008). Site Matching and Establishing Eucalypt Sawlog Species in Southern Australia. In Beadle CL and Brown AG (eds) 2008. Plantation eucalypts for high value timber. RIRDC Publication No. 08/113, Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, Canberra.