eXtension

Giant Sequoias in Kentucky

Asked July 26, 2020, 4:10 PM EDT

I have been growing some Giant Sequoia saplings in pots. One is 2 and a half years old and 3 others are about 6 months. I would like to plant them in the ground in either Kenton County and/or Mercer county. Do you have any tips or helpful information for planting these in Kentucky.

Kentucky

1 Response

I asked our woody plant specialist about this. Here is his response:

Low winter temperatures; cold, drying winds; and summer droughts are going to be the main issues with survival. I would suggest planting them in a sheltered spot that receives protection from the afternoon sun. There are some of this species around but they struggle.

I think that it is fine to try to grow these but if this is to be an important tree in the landscape I would suggest another species that has a similar visual characteristics (i.e. Taxodium or Metasequoia)