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is redwood a cedar tree

by Dr. Nick Ryan Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Redwood trees, by contrast, have the same ruddy bark as a cedar tree, but they are not coniferous, they bear no berries and they lack the distinct smell of the cedar tree. However, redwood trees are remarkably tall, sturdy and strong trees.Mar 28, 2019

Full Answer

What is the difference between Redwood and Cedar?

  • Redwood has Premium Heart Clear to Cedars PC1 both are graded to be an all heart wood clear of all imperfections and knots. ...
  • Cedar then has a PC2 grade which is close in grade to the PC1 but carries up to 30% lower grade boards which will include knots.
  • Redwood then provides Tight Knot Heart grade to Cedars PC3. ...

How to destroy a redwood tree?

You'll want to cut them down rather than try to use a chemical means of control; chemicals can eventually harm the parent tree because both the suckers and the parent tree share a common root system. I would highly recommend cutting the suckers down, just below soil level and then keeping them cut down on a regular basis.

What are facts about redwood trees?

5 Fascinating Facts About Redwood Trees

  • Tall Trees, Tiny Range. Redwood trees are famous, so you may be surprised to learn that they are only found in a few small pockets of the world.
  • Tallest Species. ...
  • Many Intricate Ecosystems in a Single Tree. ...
  • Earthquake Survival Strategy. ...
  • Climate Change Spells Increasing Trouble. ...

What are redwood trees used for?

Redwood tends to be close grained, and while it is a soft timber, it is also highly resistant to insects, mold, and mildew. The distinctive color and pest resistance make redwood lumber a popular construction material for decks, trim, and furniture. It can also be used to make structural supports and other components of a structure.

Is redwood and cedar the same?

It's tough to determine a winner in this category, but there is definitely a difference in appearance. Western red cedar, unless stained a different color, will naturally have a yellowish tone, while redwood has a noticeably more reddish-brown hue (there's a reason it's called “redwood”).Apr 1, 2015

What type of tree is a redwood?

coniferous treesSequoioideae, popularly known as redwoods, is a subfamily of coniferous trees within the family Cupressaceae. It includes the largest and tallest trees in the world.

Is a sequoia tree a cedar?

Sequoias and Cedars are part of the Cypress family,so there are many similarities. The first photo is a Sequoia and the second is the Incense Cedar.Jan 24, 2018

What family is the redwood tree in?

CupressaceaeRedwoods / FamilyCupressaceae is a conifer family, the cypress family, with worldwide distribution. The family includes 27–30 genera, which include the junipers and redwoods, with about 130–140 species in total. They are monoecious, subdioecious or dioecious trees and shrubs up to 116 m tall. Wikipedia

What are the 3 types of redwood trees?

All in the Subfamily North Coast as “redwoods,” there are in fact three distinct redwood species: dawn redwood, giant sequoia, and coast redwood.

Are redwoods a pine tree?

This confusion has come about because the Redwood which grows along the coast has been called "Redwood," and the Redwood which grows in the mountains has been called "Big Tree." Both species of trees are REDWOOD, the same as two pines are both Pines, though one may be called Digger Pine and the other may be known as ...

How do you tell if a tree is a redwood?

The best way to identify a species of redwood is by its needle leaves, distinguishable cones, and fibrous bark. First, look for reddish-brown trees and inspect the bark. Redwoods are identified by their fibrous or spongy bark. Then look for cones.Dec 3, 2021

What is the difference between a sequoia and a redwood tree?

—The giant sequoia is the largest tree in the world in volume and has an immense trunk with very slight taper; the redwood is the world's tallest tree and has a slender trunk. Cones and seed. —The cones and seed of the giant sequoia are about three times the size of those produced by the redwood.Feb 2, 2007

What is the difference between a sequoia tree and a redwood tree?

The primary difference between sequoias and redwoods is their habitat. Redwoods live near the coast, while sequoias live in subalpine regions of California. Redwoods are the tallest trees in the world. Sequoias are the biggest, if measured by circumference and volume.Mar 4, 2020

Is redwood a cypress?

If you're a fan of redwoods, then you're probably already aware that coast redwoods and giant sequoias are closely related plants. They are both members of the cypress, or Cupressaceae (pronounced: koo-press-AY-see-ee) family of trees.

Are redwoods illegal?

It is illegal to cut down a giant redwood tree. The redwood tree's famous concentric circles do indicate the age of the tree, but some the rings are so small they are invisible to the naked eye.

Are redwoods evergreens?

Common names include coast redwood, coastal redwood, and California redwood. It is an evergreen, long-lived, monoecious tree living 1,200–2,200 years or more.

What is the difference between redwood and cedar?

It’s tough to determine a winner in this category, but there is definitely a difference in appearance. Western red cedar, unless stained a different color, will naturally have a yellowish tone, while redwood has a noticeably more reddish-brown hue (there’s a reason it’s called “redwood”).

How long does it take for cedar to grow?

Since it takes 50+ years for cedar or redwood seedlings to be harvestable, the growth process isn’t an exact science. According to a cedar growth study, second growth western red cedar is just beginning to be harvested and is producing a high quality product.

How much does redwood decking cost in Texas?

For instance, a 2x6x16 foot board of redwood decking is about $36, while that same board in cedar decking is less than $31. This is why almost all the fences built in Central Texas use cedar fence pickets. So, although redwood may have a leg up in strength and durability, cedar has the best price point.

How to get rid of mildew on cedar?

Mildew can be taken care of with a little bleach and water. For restoring color (due to extractive bleeding or iron stains) use an oxalic acid-based product. Redwood and cedar naturally contain tannin (a chemical that gives the products their color), which keeps the wood insect resistant.

Is redwood cedar the same as cedar?

Although this list is suppose to show the differences between redwood and cedar, these species are very similar when it comes to being eco-friendly. Both have product certified by the Forest Stewardship Council ( FSC ), both are 100% natural products, and both claim to be more environmentally-friendly than composite brands. Because redwood is primarily harvested in northern California and western red cedar comes from Canada, the environmental requirements are almost identical.

Is redwood stronger than cedar?

Redwood - with a janka rating of 450lbs - is about 23% stronger than cedar (janka rating of 350lbs). Whether or not the extra strength is necessary for your project is up to you, but clearly redwood is more durable than cedar in general .

Is redwood more smooth than cedar?

Redwood is also more readily available in “clear” grades, which means there’s no knots at all. When it comes to overall smoothness, redwood has a slight edge over cedar.

What is the difference between cedar and redwood?

Western red cedar, unless stained a different color, will naturally have a yellowish tone, while redwood has a noticeably more reddish-brown hue (there’s a reason it’s called “redwood”). Both are beautiful in their own right, but if you’re planning to use a tinted stain or paint your deck or timbers you might want to go with cedar because it costs less and has lighter natural color. Regardless of which wood you choose, both will eventually turn a silver-gray if not periodically maintained.

What do redwoods look like?

4. Redwoods look a lot like hemlocks and Sequoias like cedars.

How do redwoods protect against wind?

The biggest enemy of redwoods is wind. High winds will take out big branches (widowmakers) and topple entire trees with drastic consequences for people and objects around them. Redwoods have two protections against wind. The first is a series of support roots the tree sends out. These support roots are very long (50 ft+), slender (1″), and very tough. Cutting one with an axe is very difficult. The trees are fairly safe so long as you do not cut or damage these support roots. A coast redwood has a second type of root, the feeder roots, which absorb nutrients for the tree. The second protection is the fact that they normally grow in groves in nature. The trees buffer each other. My property’s trees buffer each other to an extent.

What is a second growth redwood tree?

What is a second growth redwood tree? When a redwood tree is harvested, if the stump is not harmed (bulldozed, burnt, roots cut), the stump will send out shoots of new growth that will grow very rapidly for a long period, because they have full root systems to fuel/drive the growth. The shoots will turn into trees within a few years. The stump (called the base burl) is ever living and will survive many clear cuts (or fires for that matter).

Where is Sequoiadendron giganteum found?

Of the three redwood species, Sequoiadendron giganteum natural habitat is the western slopes of the US Sierra Nevadas, a humid climate with drier summers and cold winters.

How much does redwood decking cost in Texas?

For instance, a 2x6x16 foot board of redwood decking is about $36, while that same board in cedar decking is less than $31. This is why almost all the fences built in Central Texas use cedar fence pickets. So, although redwood may have a leg up in strength and durability, cedar has the best price point. Availability

What do the leaves of a Sequoia tree look like?

6. The leaves of the two trees are different. The leaves of Sequoia look like scales.

What is the difference between redwood and cedar?

Redwood vs Cedar: Appearance. Both Redwood and Cedar make beautiful products and are stainable. The difference lies in colors, and that results in the user choosing one product over the other. When you combine red cedar wood with a different color, you get a yellowish color. Redwood produces a red color.

Why is redwood wood clear?

You have any grain regardless of the material. Redwood comes with fewer knots due to the old trees it is harvested from, and that is why it comes in clear wood grades.

What wood is less resistant to weather?

The outer wood known as sapwood is less resistant. That is why you have to aim for heartwood. Redwood and wood cedar react differently in different weather conditions. Cedar’s natural colors fade quickly, turning into a dull gray color.

Why is cedar so popular?

Cedar has been popular lately due to the attractive price point that comes with the material. Redwood products are not affordable like Cedar products. Although Redwood is scarce, strong, and durable, the difference in prices is big.

How to avoid graying on cedar?

To avoid graying, apply a stain every year. Proper maintenance does not preserve the natural tone of the wood. Cedar is easy to cut and shape. It comes with workability qualities. That is why it has input in boatbuilding, decking, and musical instruments. Western red-wood cedar is easy to work with.

Is redwood tree sustainable?

Both Redwood and Cedar are environmentally friendly. They are sustainable, and the trees are replaced. There is a great calculation of the time taken for the seeds to grow into saplings. Trees are cut faster as they grow as much as Redwood is scarce. They are both natural products that do not contain chemicals.

Is redwood used in woodworking?

For this one, we chose not to pick a favorite. Both cedar and redwood are widely used for woodworking. Both are also considered “cedar” when they are being used in the lumber industry. But, where redwood gets its name, cedar gets its name. And where cedar is found, redwood is rarely seen.

What Are Redwood Trees?

Redwood and sequoia trees are species of coniferous trees in the subfamily Sequoioideae and the family Cupressaceae. The three redwood genera are Sequoia, Sequoiadendron, and Metasequoia. Two redwood species are native to California, and one—the dawn redwood—is native to China.

What is the only deciduous redwood?

Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) —The only deciduous type of redwood is the dawn redwood, native to China. This fast-growing deciduous conifer typically reaches between 130 and 150 ft. (40 – 45 m) tall. Dawn redwoods are popular landscaping trees for parks and extensive gardens.

How long do redwoods live?

Sequoia and redwoods are famous for their longevity. In the right conditions, California redwoods can live between 500 and 1,000 years. In the Sierra Nevada mountains in California, some giant sequoias are 2,000 and 3,000 years old.

What color are redwood leaves?

Another feature of redwood tree leaves is their dark green color on the upper side, with two bluish-white bands on the underside. Redwoods and sequoias native to the US have evergreen foliage.

What are the conditions for redwood trees?

Redwood trees require specific environmental conditions to thrive. The coastal conditions of northern California are ideal for redwood growth. Redwoods require humid conditions with substantial rainfall in spring, fall, and winter. In addition, the foggy conditions common along the northern Pacific coast allows redwoods to thrive.

How tall is a redwood tree?

Giant redwood trees grow between 165 and 360 ft. (50 – 110 m) tall. The tallest recorded redwood tree is a California redwood that is 379.7 (115.7 m) tall. From the three redwood species, the coast redwood (California redwood) is the tallest, the giant sequoia in second place, and the dawn redwood is the smallest at around 165 ft. (50 m) tall.

Where do redwoods grow?

The Pacific coast of northern California is home to redwood trees in the United States. The giant California redwood ( Sequoia sempervirens) and giant sequoia ( Sequoiadendron giganteum) thrive in northern California, Oregon, and Washington, where conditions for these vast trees are ideal. For redwoods in California to thrive, they need damp, cool air, summer fog, and mild winters to grow so tall.

Which is better, cedar or redwood?

Both cedar and redwood have natural oils that can repel water to some extent. Redwood does have a better natural capacity for standing up to water and rain. Your swing set will definitely be exposed to the elements, so redwood should be considered.

How much does cedar weigh compared to redwood?

Redwood has a rating of roughly 450 pounds while cedar has just 350 pounds. This is a definite win in favor of redwood, but that is not to say that cedar may not work perfectly in your application regardless of its hardness.

What color is cedar mulch?

Redwood mulch has a stunning red color that may look great against your home and plants. On the other hand, cedar chips are browner in color. Aesthetics can make a major difference in the curb appeal of your home, so decide which color will suit your home the best. The other major factor is insect repellant.

Why do you put cedar in your garden?

First and foremost, putting shredded cedar or redwood in your garden conserves the amount of water you have to use and eliminates drastic soil erosion. It tends to keep everything you plant in your garden right where you want it.

Why are redwood trees harvested?

Both cedar and redwood trees are being harvested responsibly to ensure that there will be plenty of wood for years to come. Many companies boast about their low harvest rate compared to their annual growth rate. Be sure to do your homework to make sure that the company producing your cedar or redwood is practicing responsible harvesting and replanting more trees than they cut down each year.

Why do you want cedar for a deck?

If you plan to stain or paint your deck in a color that is not similar to either of these in their natural state, then you may prefer cedar because it does tend to be lighter in color. Deciding on the specific grade of lumber you want is another main issue that many people will face.

Can you use cedar mulch on a flower bed?

Many people love to use shredded hardwood in their flower beds and gardens to spruce up the place. However , this mulch actually serves a very real purpose when it comes to nurturing your plants. Both cedar and redwood mulches are extremely common, but there are some distinct differences between the two of them.

What is the difference between cedar and redwood?

With cedar, particularly western red cedar, it will have a yellowish hue if you don’t stain it. Redwood, true to its name, takes on a reddish-brown coloration.

Which is better, cedar or redwood?

In terms of smoothness, redwood is slightly better than cedar. But then, with all the equipment available for smoothening wood surfaces, even cedar can be made super-smooth. Ultimately, you will decide on the type of wood, depending on your project requirements and the wood’s availability.

What wood is most weather resistant?

Redwood’s natural resistance to rot and pests comes from the compounds it produces. It makes redwood highly resistant to any deterioration, even if left outdoors and exposed to the elements. It is the heart of the redwood log that is most weather resistant. While the heartwood has a reddish hue, the outer wood, known as the sapwood, has white and red shades. Hence, if you want wood that will weather well, you need to purchase the heartwood. Or else, you can use the sapwood if you want wood that is more decorative.

How many grades of cedar are there?

There is a wild variation in the different types of grain patterns you can get from cedar and redwood. Specifically, redwood has 30 grades, and cedar has 10. Redwood comes from older trees. Hence you are likely to come across fewer knots than you may get with cedar. You can also get “clear” grades in redwood, which is wood devoid of knots.

How to restore a redwood?

Both types of wood call for similar procedures to finish, clean, and restore them. You can clean both cedar and redwood with warm water and soap. If there is mildew present, you can add a few drops of liquid ble ach. If you need to restore the color due to rust stains or extractive bleeding, you can use a product that contains oxalic acid.

What is the best wood to stain?

Hence, if you think of applying a stain to your outdoor woodwork, cedar would be the right choice because it will stain well. If you would like the natural color of the wood to come out, of course, you could do better with redwood.

What type of wood is best for outdoor use?

If you are looking for robust wood that you can use both indoors and outdoors, then two species come to mind – cedar and redwood. Both these varieties are known for their durability and good looks. They both have resistance to pests, but how they stand to the weather and their longevity characteristics differ.

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