is redwood a cedar tree

Redwood trees, by contrast, have the same ruddy bark as a cedar tree

, but they are not coniferous, they bear no berries and they lack the distinct smell of the cedar tree. However, redwood trees are remarkably tall, sturdy and strong trees. They have vertical lines on their bark and can grow only in very specific climates.

Full Answer

What is the difference between Redwood and Cedar?

• Redwood has Premium Heart Clear to Cedars PC1 both are graded to be an all heart wood clear of all imperfections and knots. ...
• Cedar then has a PC2 grade which is close in grade to the PC1 but carries up to 30% lower grade boards which will include knots.
• Redwood then provides Tight Knot Heart grade to Cedars PC3. ...

How to destroy a redwood tree?

You'll want to cut them down rather than try to use a chemical means of control; chemicals can eventually harm the parent tree because both the suckers and the parent tree share a common root system. I would highly recommend cutting the suckers down, just below soil level and then keeping them cut down on a regular basis.

What are facts about redwood trees?

5 Fascinating Facts About Redwood Trees

• Tall Trees, Tiny Range. Redwood trees are famous, so you may be surprised to learn that they are only found in a few small pockets of the world.
• Tallest Species. ...
• Many Intricate Ecosystems in a Single Tree. ...
• Earthquake Survival Strategy. ...
• Climate Change Spells Increasing Trouble. ...

What are redwood trees used for?

Redwood tends to be close grained, and while it is a soft timber, it is also highly resistant to insects, mold, and mildew. The distinctive color and pest resistance make redwood lumber a popular construction material for decks, trim, and furniture. It can also be used to make structural supports and other components of a structure.

Is redwood and cedar the same?

Redwood is a harder wood than cedar. It was found to be 23% harder than cedar when the Janka hardness test was used. Because it is a harder wood it will last longer and is more durable. Redwood has more natural occurring chemicals than cedar.

What type of tree is redwood?

coniferous treesSequoioideae, popularly known as redwoods, is a subfamily of coniferous trees within the family Cupressaceae. It includes the largest and tallest trees in the world.

Is a redwood tree a pine tree?

This confusion has come about because the Redwood which grows along the coast has been called "Redwood," and the Redwood which grows in the mountains has been called "Big Tree." Both species of trees are REDWOOD, the same as two pines are both Pines, though one may be called Digger Pine and the other may be known as ...

Is Red Cedar a redwood?

It's tough to determine a winner in this category, but there is definitely a difference in appearance. Western red cedar, unless stained a different color, will naturally have a yellowish tone, while redwood has a noticeably more reddish-brown hue (there's a reason it's called “redwood”).

Are sequoias and cedars related?

Sequoias and Cedars are part of the Cypress family,so there are many similarities. The first photo is a Sequoia and the second is the Incense Cedar.

What are the 3 types of redwoods?

North Coast as “redwoods,” there are in fact three distinct redwood species: dawn redwood, giant sequoia, and coast redwood.

Is redwood a pine or cedar?

Redwood trees, by contrast, have the same ruddy bark as a cedar tree, but they are not coniferous, they bear no berries and they lack the distinct smell of the cedar tree. However, redwood trees are remarkably tall, sturdy and strong trees.

Are redwood trees cypress?

If you're a fan of redwoods, then you're probably already aware that coast redwoods and giant sequoias are closely related plants. They are both members of the cypress, or Cupressaceae (pronounced: koo-press-AY-see-ee) family of trees.

What is another name for redwood?

Redwood synonyms In this page you can discover 7 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for redwood, like: sequoia, coniferous, evergreen, tree, cedar, beech and maples.

Is there a difference between cedar and red cedar?

Western red cedar is slightly stronger. Western red cedar has a bit more strength than white cedar and is less likely to knot. However, eastern white cedar is still strong enough to meet the needs of most construction projects.

What's more expensive redwood or cedar?

Redwood is more durable, but the cost is around 20% more expensive, on average, than cedar. Redwood may be a slightly better wood, but the cost and access make cedar the winner.

Which is heavier cedar or redwood?

Redwood contains protective oils much like cedar, making it a safe option for outdoor projects. It's denser than cedar, which means it's a sturdier wood for long life, but also heavier and therefore a bit more labor-intensive.

What is the difference between cedar and redwood?

Western red cedar, unless stained a different color, will naturally have a yellowish tone, while redwood has a noticeably more reddish-brown hue (there’s a reason it’s called “redwood”). Both are beautiful in their own right, but if you’re planning to use a tinted stain or paint your deck or timbers you might want to go with cedar because it costs less and has lighter natural color. Regardless of which wood you choose, both will eventually turn a silver-gray if not periodically maintained.

Is a redwood tree coniferous?

The cedar tree is coniferous. ... Redwood trees, by contrast, have the same ruddy bark as a cedar tree, but they are not coniferous, they bear no berries and they lack the distinct smell of the cedar tree. However, redwood trees are remarkably tall, sturdy, and strong trees.

Is redwood stronger than cedar?

Finally, a difference that we can actually measure! To determine the hardness of redwood and cedar, we are using the janka hardness test. Redwood – with a janka rating of 450lbs – is about 23% stronger than cedar (janka rating of 350lbs). Whether or not the extra strength is necessary for your project is up to you, but clearly redwood is more durable than cedar in general.

What Are Redwood Trees?

Redwood and sequoia trees are species of coniferous trees in the subfamily Sequoioideae and the family Cupressaceae. The three redwood genera are Sequoia, Sequoiadendron, and Metasequoia. Two redwood species are native to California, and one—the dawn redwood—is native to China.

How Tall Are Redwood Trees?

Giant redwood trees grow between 165 and 360 ft. (50 – 110 m) tall. The tallest recorded redwood tree is a California redwood that is 379.7 (115.7 m) tall. From the three redwood species, the coast redwood (California redwood) is the tallest, the giant sequoia in second place, and the dawn redwood is the smallest at around 165 ft. (50 m) tall.

Types of Redwood Trees

Let’s look briefly at the three species of trees in the Sequoioideae subfamily:

Sequoia vs. Redwood

Trees in the family Sequoioideae are typically all referred to as redwoods. Even though redwood trees and sequoia trees are closely related, they have some distinguishable characteristics. Here are the four significant differences between sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum) and redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens):

Redwood Tree leaves

Redwood trees have variable leaves depending if they grow at the upper canopy or lower down the tree. At the crown, evergreen redwood needles grow up to 0.4” (1 cm) long, are pointed, narrow, and oblong, and grow spirally like cedar or juniper leaves. Redwood leaves growing on lower branches are flattened and longer.

Redwood Tree Bark

The cinnamon-red or bright reddish-brown bark is one way to identify redwood trees. A redwood tree has recognizable spongy bark and is a dull chocolatey brown color. Giant sequoias are identified by their fibrous bark that is a brighter red-brown color. You can also tell redwood trees because the reddish bark pulls away easily.

Redwood Tree Flowers

Redwood trees produce small, insignificant yellowish-brown flowers that blossom on the ends of needle leaves. Redwood flowers blossom in December and January. However, it isn’t easy to see the flowers from the ground because they are so tiny and far up in the forest canopy.

What is the difference between redwood and cedar?

It’s tough to determine a winner in this category, but there is definitely a difference in appearance. Western red cedar, unless stained a different color, will naturally have a yellowish tone, while redwood has a noticeably more reddish-brown hue (there’s a reason it’s called “redwood”).

How long does it take for cedar to grow?

Since it takes 50+ years for cedar or redwood seedlings to be harvestable, the growth process isn’t an exact science. According to a cedar growth study, second growth western red cedar is just beginning to be harvested and is producing a high quality product.

How to get rid of mildew on cedar?

Mildew can be taken care of with a little bleach and water. For restoring color (due to extractive bleeding or iron stains) use an oxalic acid-based product. Redwood and cedar naturally contain tannin (a chemical that gives the products their color), which keeps the wood insect resistant.

Is red cedar more plentiful in California or Western?

At the end of the day, it all comes down to supply and demand. The availability factor will depend on your region, but overall western red cedar is in much greater supply than California redwood. Producing almost 1 billion board feet a year, cedar is easily accessible anywhere in the country.

Is redwood more smooth than cedar?

Redwood is also more readily available in “clear” grades, which means there’s no knots at all. When it comes to overall smoothness, redwood has a slight edge over cedar.

What is the difference between redwood and cedar?

Redwood vs Cedar: Appearance. Both Redwood and Cedar make beautiful products and are stainable. The difference lies in colors, and that results in the user choosing one product over the other. When you combine red cedar wood with a different color, you get a yellowish color. Redwood produces a red color.

What wood is less resistant to weather?

The outer wood known as sapwood is less resistant. That is why you have to aim for heartwood. Redwood and wood cedar react differently in different weather conditions. Cedar’s natural colors fade quickly, turning into a dull gray color.

How to avoid graying on cedar?

To avoid graying, apply a stain every year. Proper maintenance does not preserve the natural tone of the wood. Cedar is easy to cut and shape. It comes with workability qualities. That is why it has input in boatbuilding, decking, and musical instruments. Western red-wood cedar is easy to work with.

Is redwood wood resistant to insects?

Resistance to insects. Redwood and Cedar are both resistant to deterioration. They are both outdoor materials exposed to insects, and they come with resistance. Redwood consists of pest and rot-resistant compounds that make the wood immune to rot and insect damage.

Is redwood tree sustainable?

Both Redwood and Cedar are environmentally friendly. They are sustainable, and the trees are replaced. There is a great calculation of the time taken for the seeds to grow into saplings. Trees are cut faster as they grow as much as Redwood is scarce. They are both natural products that do not contain chemicals.

Is redwood used in woodworking?

For this one, we chose not to pick a favorite. Both cedar and redwood are widely used for woodworking. Both are also considered “cedar” when they are being used in the lumber industry. But, where redwood gets its name, cedar gets its name. And where cedar is found, redwood is rarely seen.

Is redwood harder than cedar?

Hardness determines the life of your wood material. Redwood is harder than cedar material, and it consists of naturally occurring chemicals. Less maintenance is on the material. Although wood cedar does not succumb to molds and rot, it tends to lose its brown color with time.

Which is better, cedar or redwood?

Both cedar and redwood have natural oils that can repel water to some extent. Redwood does have a better natural capacity for standing up to water and rain. Your swing set will definitely be exposed to the elements, so redwood should be considered.

How much does cedar weigh compared to redwood?

Redwood has a rating of roughly 450 pounds while cedar has just 350 pounds. This is a definite win in favor of redwood, but that is not to say that cedar may not work perfectly in your application regardless of its hardness.

What color is cedar mulch?

Redwood mulch has a stunning red color that may look great against your home and plants. On the other hand, cedar chips are browner in color. Aesthetics can make a major difference in the curb appeal of your home, so decide which color will suit your home the best. The other major factor is insect repellant.

Why do you put cedar in your garden?

First and foremost, putting shredded cedar or redwood in your garden conserves the amount of water you have to use and eliminates drastic soil erosion. It tends to keep everything you plant in your garden right where you want it.

Why do you want cedar for a deck?

If you plan to stain or paint your deck in a color that is not similar to either of these in their natural state, then you may prefer cedar because it does tend to be lighter in color. Deciding on the specific grade of lumber you want is another main issue that many people will face.

Can you use cedar mulch on a flower bed?

Many people love to use shredded hardwood in their flower beds and gardens to spruce up the place. However , this mulch actually serves a very real purpose when it comes to nurturing your plants. Both cedar and redwood mulches are extremely common, but there are some distinct differences between the two of them.

Is redwood more expensive than cedar?

The cost of a cedar vs. redwood fence will vary depending on where you reside. However, redwood is generally more expensive than cedar . This is why you so frequently see homeowners choose to use cedar for their fence pickets instead of redwood. It produces a similar visual but at a fraction of the cost.

What is the difference between cedar and redwood?

With cedar, particularly western red cedar, it will have a yellowish hue if you don’t stain it. Redwood, true to its name, takes on a reddish-brown coloration.

Which is better, cedar or redwood?

In terms of smoothness, redwood is slightly better than cedar. But then, with all the equipment available for smoothening wood surfaces, even cedar can be made super-smooth. Ultimately, you will decide on the type of wood, depending on your project requirements and the wood’s availability.

What is the best wood to stain?

Hence, if you think of applying a stain to your outdoor woodwork, cedar would be the right choice because it will stain well. If you would like the natural color of the wood to come out, of course, you could do better with redwood.

What type of wood is best for outdoor use?

If you are looking for robust wood that you can use both indoors and outdoors, then two species come to mind – cedar and redwood. Both these varieties are known for their durability and good looks. They both have resistance to pests, but how they stand to the weather and their longevity characteristics differ.

Why are redwoods endangered?

There was a period when redwood forests were endangered due to over-logging, but today that issue is now under control. In this respect, it is nice to note that Humbolt redwood is being harvested less than the annual growth rate. It means that more trees are growing than are being harvested annually.

What is sustainable wood?

When we talk about sustainability, it refers to the capacity of trees to regenerate. For wood to be sustainable, the trees that are cut have to be replaced periodically. If replanting wasn’t done, then all the trees in the world would soon get depleted if we continue to cut them at the current rate.

Why is wood considered a material?

Wood is a preferred material because of its good looks and durability. But with hundreds of wood species to choose from, it is not easy to decide on a particular wood for a specific application. To complicate matters further, some of the best wood comes under the endangered species list today. It means that even if you have ...