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Coast redwoods are some of the most-loved trees in Sacramento-area yards. They grow fast, stay green all year, and screen a back fence in a few seasons. But they're coastal forest trees living in a hot inland valley, and many homeowners eventually face browning crowns, needle drop in the pool, roots heaving the patio, or a tree that has simply grown far taller than anyone expected. Here's what UC sources say, plus permits and typical costs.
The coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) grows natively in a narrow band along the Pacific Coast, from central California to southern Oregon. The National Park Service – Coast Redwood explains that redwoods depend on a maritime climate with relatively stable temperatures, moisture, and fog, and that in the dry summer, fog accounts for nearly 40% of their water uptake. A UC Master Gardeners of San Luis Obispo County – Landscape Trees During Drought article adds that the native range is a fog-drenched coastal strip receiving at least 30 inches of rain a year.
Sacramento offers none of that in July. UC IPM – Coast Redwood describes coast redwoods as large, fast-growing evergreen conifers that can reach 70 to 90 feet in landscapes, and says they do best with frequent irrigation and water-conserving practices such as mulch. A UC ANR Fresno Gardening Green – Coast redwood trees in the Central Valley article reports that every UC Cooperative Extension advisor, UC professor, and park ranger the author interviewed recommended that coast redwoods not be planted in the Central Valley — while noting that, with proper care, they will survive. Some Valley redwoods do well with good care; others struggle.
Not every brown redwood is dying. UC IPM – Nonparasitic Needle Blight or Browning and Shedding says a certain amount of older needle and branchlet shedding is normal, that it's increased by drought, and that branchlets fall particularly in late summer. The Stanislaus article agrees: it's normal for the oldest leaves to turn yellow, then brown, and drop in late summer and early fall, and some brown foliage in the interior is normal. Its key test is the branch tips — new growth at the ends of branches means those branches are alive.
Signs that point toward a bigger problem:
Often, if the tree isn't too far gone. UC sources consistently say Valley redwoods need deep, regular water. The Fresno article recommends regular surface irrigation plus a once-a-month deep watering reaching at least two feet below the surface, and leaving fallen needles in place as mulch. The San Luis Obispo Master Gardener guide estimates that mature redwoods there need roughly 10 gallons a day, or 70 gallons a week, through long, deep soakings — a reminder of how thirsty these trees are. Ask an ISA Certified Arborist how much your tree needs given your soil and exposure.
That water bill is part of the decision. The San Luis Obispo guide suggests considering removal of trees that aren't suited to your climate or soil, since water-thirsty trees from high-rainfall areas cost more to maintain.
Not sure? An arborist may suggest thinning or clearance pruning instead. See tree removal vs. trimming: how to decide.
Coast redwood is a California native, but it isn't native to the Sacramento Valley and isn't on the native-species lists that most local ordinances protect at small sizes. Size and location are what usually matter — and mature redwoods get big:
Other areas: City of Sacramento · unincorporated Sacramento County · Elk Grove · Roseville · Folsom · Citrus Heights · Rancho Cordova · West Sacramento · Davis. Measure the trunk at 4.5 feet (circumference ÷ 3.14) before you call. If you need documentation, see arborist reports for tree permits.
We didn't find a reliable published price specific to redwoods, so the best guide is height. These are national published ranges (estimates, not quotes) used across this site; Sacramento-area labor often runs above national averages:
| Height | Angi | HomeGuide |
|---|---|---|
| Under 30 ft | $150–$450 | $200–$500 |
| 30–60 ft | $450–$1,200 | $500–$1,500 |
| 60–80 ft | $800–$1,500 | $850–$2,000 |
| Over 80 ft | $1,000–$2,000 | $1,200–$2,500+ |
Angi puts the national average around $750, and HomeGuide lists an $850 average — but redwoods are often on the tall end of the table. A row of redwoods may cost less per tree: HomeGuide says per-tree costs can drop 10% to 25% when several trees are removed in one visit. See crane tree removal cost and tree removal cost by tree size.
Redwoods are famous for resprouting. The NPS says redwoods reproduce primarily asexually: burls at the base can sprout new growth, and "fairy rings" of young trees grow from the base of an old fallen redwood or its stump. Expect sprouts if the stump is left, and ask each bidder how deep they'll grind, whether they'll grind the major surface roots, and how they'll handle sprouts. Stump grinding requires an 811 ticket before digging. See stump grinding cost.
Tree removal and most pruning of trees 15 feet or taller generally requires a CSLB license under Business and Professions Code § 7026.1 (C-49 Tree and Palm Contractor). For a tall redwood, ask how the crew will lower sections, whether a crane is needed, and how they'll protect the roof, fence, and pool. In spring and summer, ask the crew to check for active nests first (Fish and Game Code § 3503). See how to hire a tree service and how to prepare for removal day. If you're replanting, the Sacramento Tree Foundation offers free siting consultations and up to 10 free shade trees to eligible properties through its SMUD partnership (Sacramento Tree Foundation – Growing a resilient urban forest). Other species guides: cottonwood, ornamental pear, oak, pine, eucalyptus, sycamore, sweetgum, ash, elm, and fruitless mulberry.
They can survive, but they're outside their natural climate. Coast redwoods are native to a narrow, foggy band along the Pacific Coast, and a UC Master Gardener article from Fresno County reports that the UC Cooperative Extension advisors and UC professors the author interviewed recommended against planting them in the Central Valley. Valley redwoods generally need regular, deep irrigation and mulch to stay healthy.
Some browning is normal: UC says the oldest needles turn yellow, then brown, and drop in late summer and early fall, and that drought increases this shedding. Browning and scorched foliage during hot, dry summers is common on under-watered Valley redwoods, and drought-stressed trees may then be attacked by bark beetles. New growth at the branch tips is a good sign. If whole sections are dying back, have an ISA Certified Arborist look at water, soil, and pests.
They can be. UC IPM notes that root intrusion problems may occur because redwoods are shallow-rooted, and a UC Master Gardener article says the roots stay in the top 2 to 3 feet of soil and spread about 50 feet from the trunk, adding that next to homes, concrete, or artificial turf the trees may become unstable. Whether roots are damaging your foundation or sewer line is a site-specific question for an arborist or plumber.
Usually only if it's large, a public tree, or tied to a development approval. Coast redwood isn't one of the native species the City of Sacramento protects at 12 inches, but on a single-family or duplex lot any tree 32 inches or more in diameter at 4.5 feet is a private protected tree — and a mature redwood can easily reach that. Rancho Cordova protects any non-oak tree 24 inches or more on residential property. Check your city or county before cutting.
We didn't find a reliable published price specific to redwoods, so height is the best guide. National published ranges (Angi and HomeGuide) run about $450–$1,500 for trees 30–60 feet, $800–$2,000 for 60–80 feet, and $1,000–$2,500 or more for trees over 80 feet. Tall redwoods near houses may need a crane, and stump grinding, haul-off, and any permit are often extra.
We don't do tree work ourselves. Tell us about your tree and we'll connect you with independent local tree professionals so you can compare written quotes. Always verify the contractor's license and insurance at cslb.ca.gov.
Tree removal costs by area: Sacramento · Elk Grove · Roseville · Folsom · Citrus Heights · Rancho Cordova · Carmichael · West Sacramento · Davis · Natomas · Antelope · Fair Oaks
More guides: Stump grinding cost · Emergency/storm removal · Tree trimming cost · Palm tree removal · Tree permits · Tree fell on house: insurance · Neighbor & boundary trees · Oak tree removal · Dead/hazardous trees · Trees near power lines · Roots, sewers & foundations · Elk Grove permits · Roseville permits · Folsom permits · Citrus Heights permits · Rancho Cordova permits · Sacramento County permits · Davis permits · West Sacramento permits · Hiring a tree service · After a storm · Pine tree removal · When to trim · Defensible space · Landlords, tenants & HOAs · Trees & solar panels · Remove or trim? · Preparing for removal day · Eucalyptus removal · Crane removal cost · Tree removal in an HOA · Arborist reports for permits · Street trees: who's responsible · Sycamore removal · Sweetgum removal · Ash tree removal · Elm tree removal · Fruitless mulberry removal · Leaning trees · Removal cost by tree size · Redwood removal · Cottonwood removal · Ornamental pear removal