Pocket BotanistCheck 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 likelyHow 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
PossibleHow 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.
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.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your dawn redwood.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are 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.
More problems with Dawn redwood
Back to the Dawn redwood guide
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.