Andy's Advice on Redwoods

Like many other exotic plant species growing in New Zealand, Coastal redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) from California grow extremely well here. Past plantings of this species suggest that it will grow 3-4 times faster here in New Zealand than in its indigenous homeland of California. Together with this and the fact that redwood timber will be in short supply in  California in 20-30 years has prompted ’several over seas investors to plant redwoods here in new Zealand, to supply timber for the Californian market in 30 years time. This faith from overseas foresters has prompted many kiwis to invest in this tree species, with promised rewards several times larger than a Radiata plantation.

As many Kiwi foresters know, indigenous California tree species grow very well here in New Zealand. In particular Monterey pine, more commonly known as radiate pine. This tree is the backbone of our log and timber export trade as well as strong local demand. But unfortunately our export trade is fickle and demand fluctuates dramatically.

On the other hand redwoods timber demand is not only strong but will return at least five times the value per Ha that radiata pine will deliver in a 30 years rotation. As a comparison a properly pruned stand of Redwood will gross approximately $250,000 NZD per Ha, compared to approximately $50,000 NZD per Ha for P.Radiata.

P.radiata and D.fir has been the kiwi forester 'bread and butter' for the last 60 years but redwood timber will be the 'cream' for our future generation of foresters.

2 year old redwoods growing in North Canterbury                                                       27 year old redwoods growing in Westland

28 years old redwoods grown on the West coast, with perfect form and small branches. Average height 32m, average DBH 85cm.

Matt Browns Redwood plantings. Two year old Redwoods at Matt Browns. Excellent growth because of good weed control as well as early Boron application