Is my Dawn redwood dying because it lost all its needles?

No, it is just going dormant for the winter. It will grow fresh, bright green needles again in the spring.

Should I fertilize when the needles start dropping?

No, avoid fertilizing in the fall as it can encourage new growth that will be damaged by the first frost.

Why is my Dawn redwood losing its needles? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the current calendar month to see if it is autumn.
Feel the soil moisture level several inches below the surface.
Inspect the needles for signs of color change before they fall.

Likely causes

Seasonal dormancy
Most likely
How to tell: The needles turn a beautiful bronze or orange color before falling off in late autumn. This happens across the entire tree evenly.
What to do: Do nothing, as this is a healthy part of the tree cycle. Simply rake up the needles once they have all fallen to keep the area tidy.
Severe drought
Possible
How to tell: Needles turn brown and drop prematurely during the heat of summer. The soil feels bone dry to the touch.
What to do: Water the tree deeply until the soil is saturated at least 12 inches down. Apply a 3 inch layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture.

Leaf drop in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your dawn redwood

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Worry only if your tree drops green needles during the middle of the growing season. Autumn needle drop is a sign of a healthy, functioning tree.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain consistent soil moisture throughout the summer months to prevent stress.

Dawn redwood: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your dawn redwood and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Is my Dawn redwood dying because it lost all its needles?: No, it is just going dormant for the winter. It will grow fresh, bright green needles again in the spring.
Should I fertilize when the needles start dropping?: No, avoid fertilizing in the fall as it can encourage new growth that will be damaged by the first frost.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why is my Dawn redwood losing its needles?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your dawn redwood?