Big Dawn Redwood Stump

[Natty Bumppo]

I'm amazed a conifer stump would sprout like that. In my work, over the years, I cut a LOT of red cedar and exotic, invasive hardwoods as part of restorations. For hardwoods, we treat the stump with herbicide to prevent resprouting. For cedar, and conifers in general (yew's are an exception), no herbicide needed. As long as there's no living branches are left, the tree is dead.
But maybe with a higher stump and some TLC, several gymnosperms can sprout new buds from a bare stump. What besides metasequoia can bud back from a bare stump?
Leo, were those wild cypress from the Cache River in southern IL, or elsewhere?

 

[RickCortright]

This looks fantastic, I was just turned on to the Dawn Redwood and love it. It's about time for a yearly update

 

[cbrshadow23]

Update needed How is this tree doing? Fun to follow your project!

 

[queenofsheba52]

Yes please for an update on this great project!

I bought a dozen small dawn seedlings a few years ago from the FaceBook site 99cent Bonsai auctions. I am just now putting them into a forest. Spring has been very slow and cold here in west Michigan so I have a little more time than usual for spring bonsai chores. I am eager to see how this big stump is doing!

 

[Rateeluck]

Summer update. Thing is out of control. Life has been busy but I'm still managing to water and keep things alive. This stump is trying to become a new tree. About 9 feet tall now.. at least it's healthy!

Best

 

[Crazy Diamond]

Are you going to repot and reduce the rootball before the next growing season?

 

[Rateeluck]

Are you going to repot and reduce the rootball before the next growing season?

That was the hope this past season. Life got in the way and couldn't get to it..I do really hope to work the roots this spring

 

[queenofsheba52]

Wow, sassy and happy tree there!

 

[Colorado]

Awesome!

 

[Kidkidsupreme]

That’s insane. Any new shoots from the lower parts of the stump? I read that they only grow new shoots from the top.

 

[Rateeluck]

That’s insane. Any new shoots from the lower parts of the stump? I read that they only grow new shoots from the top.

Yes, there's 2 clusters of branches. Middle and top. You can see in the older pictures

Best

 

[Rateeluck]

Got tall. Maybe 8 feet from the soil line

 

[queenofsheba52]

Great update. Looks like there are many options on this tree. It sure seems happy!

 

[Cajunrider]

Got tall. Maybe 8 feet from the soil line

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Looking good. Sure would love to see how you will develop this tree.

 

[Rateeluck]

@Cajunrider I don't think the main leader will be part of the final design. Right now the leader is bringing vigor and thickening up the live vein. Will probably turn it into deadwood and keep the smaller branches. Thanks