Metasequoia (dawn redwood)

Question

My 4 year old dawn redwood is dropping its leaves and branches are dying back. I have cleared grass from around trunk to find any signs of rot, “none found.” Have looked for any signs of canker, “none found.” Have sprayed tree with neem solution for any insect attack. The tree is growing in a western aspect in the backyard which receives full sun all day and is not protected from strong winds. The soil type is red clay granite with quartz, but when planted I dug hole 1m cubed and mixed good loam with the clay granite to improve structure. Do you have any solutions? Should I let it have another season to see if it improves? This is the first year the tree has not grown properly. Could it be caused by excessive temperatures we have experienced this summer (30-40 degs)?

Kind regards
Bruce Wilson

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Answer 1

I found this possible explanation for your trees die back.

https://ask.extension.org/questions/198208