Expert: Jim Hyland - 10/1/2007

Question
Hello I had recived a 2ft young sequoia from the arbor day foundation a year ago. I have watered it consistantly and just with in the past 3 weeks I had noticed it tunning brown. It still had growth at the tips. but this past week I noticed there is no green left on the tree and some of the branches are getting brittle. Is it about to or going to die? if so what should I do. I have it in a Big pot with lots of mixed plant soil. Also I should have mentioned I live in Tampa Florida. and we have had a very wet and hot couple months with a couple 100F days and humidity up in the 90's. It has sunlight most of the day and the soil is always moist but not soaked. What should I do?

Thanks!
Chad

Answer
Sequoia seedlings require good drainage.  With wet feet, they become susceptible to disease.  Therefore, to avoid heartbreak, use only clay pots, not plastic, and well-drained soil.
Raising the seedling into a tree from this point can be tricky or remarkably easy, depending primarily on your climate and the prevalence of various diseases.  Young trees are susceptible to botrytis and cercospora infections.  An overly hot, humid climate makes this problem worse, particularly on the East Coast.  
Seedlings and young saplings do best in partial shade.
If it was in the sun it sounds like the heat may have gotten it. About the only thing that can be done is if you can move the pot to the shade and water when the soil is starting to dry at the top and wait and see what happens. It may recover but the chances do not sound good. Sorry!