Detailed Explanation of the Key Cultivation Techniques for Golden-leaf Dawn Redwood

Golden-leaf Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides 'Gold Rush') is a deciduous large tree of the genus Metasequoia in the Cupressaceae family. Its trunk is straight and upright, its tree form is magnificent, and its leaves are golden yellow, turning orange-yellow after autumn; it is a well-known ornamental garden tree. Golden-leaf Dawn Redwood can be planted as a specimen, in rows, or in groups in parks, courtyards, lawns, and green spaces; it can also be planted in large stands to create scenic forests, and is suitable for combining with evergreen groundcover plants; it can also be planted in front of buildings or used as a street tree, all with good results. Golden-leaf Dawn Redwood has a certain resistance to sulfur dioxide and is also a good tree species for greening industrial and mining areas.

Golden-leaf Dawn Redwood can grow well between 20 and 40 degrees north latitude. It can be cultivated in East China, Central China, and North China except Inner Mongolia.

Golden-leaf Dawn Redwood is a light-demanding tree species. It prefers a warm, humid climate and can withstand severe cold of -35 degrees Celsius, but it is not tolerant of dry cold in winter; seedlings are slightly shade-tolerant. It prefers deep, fertile acidic soil and has relatively strong alkali tolerance, able to grow in light saline-alkali land with a salt content below 0.2 percent. It grows best in mild, humid valleys and in deep, fertile, moist sandy loam. It requires moist but well-drained conditions, is not tolerant of waterlogging, and is also relatively sensitive to soil drought.

For the cultivation of Golden-leaf Dawn Redwood, a moist but well-drained location should be chosen. In North China, because winters are dry, a wind-sheltered, sunny spot should be selected, and young trees should also be given wind barriers for cold protection. Spring planting gives a high survival rate, and planting should be done as the seedlings are lifted. If long-distance transport is needed, the roots of the seedlings should be soaked in water before planting so they absorb enough water and take root more successfully. Small seedlings need to be dipped in mud slurry when planted, and large seedlings need to be planted with a root ball. Before planting, dig large holes and apply base fertilizer, taking care not to damage the roots. After planting, water thoroughly. Topdressing can be applied during the growing season; pruning may be done appropriately at the seedling stage, but after 4 to 5 years do not prune, so as not to ruin the tree shape. Summer drought makes red spider mites and small moth larvae prone to causing damage, so attention should be paid to their control.