The cost of a redwood tree varies dramatically, depending on whether it is a small planting, a living specimen, or processed lumber. Redwood refers primarily to two species: the towering Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) and the massive Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum). The price is a spectrum that changes based on the tree’s size, age, and final form, ranging from a small potted plant to finished wood.
Pricing for Seedlings and Saplings
Redwood seedlings and young saplings are the most accessible option for individuals looking to plant one of these trees. A small Coast Redwood seedling, often a few inches tall, can be purchased for around $9 to $19, typically shipped bare-root or in a small container. Giant Sequoia seedlings fall within a similar price range, costing approximately $10 to $20 for an 8 to 12-inch potted plant.
The price increases with the container size, reflecting the tree’s age and the nursery’s care costs. A Coast Redwood sapling grown in a one-gallon pot generally costs between $40 and $45. Larger, more established specimen trees are priced higher, with a 15-gallon tree selling for around $150 and a 25-gallon tree reaching approximately $350 or more. The cost is also affected by the source, as local nurseries and online specialty retailers often charge a premium for packaging and transportation.
Valuation of Standing Timber
The valuation of a mature, standing redwood tree is a complex calculation based on its potential lumber yield, known as “stumpage value.” This value is measured in Thousand Board Feet (MBF). Commercial logging focuses almost exclusively on privately owned, second-growth forests, as nearly all old-growth redwoods are protected.
The stumpage price for second-growth redwood sawtimber varies widely, often ranging from several hundred to over a thousand dollars per MBF, depending on market conditions and stand quality. Factors influencing this valuation include the tree’s diameter and height, which determine recoverable volume, and the wood’s grade, based on the amount of clear, knot-free material it yields.
Accessibility is also a major cost factor; difficult terrain or a long distance to the nearest mill significantly reduces the final stumpage price paid to the landowner. The highest value comes from large, straight trees that yield “clear” logs, meaning the wood is free of knots. This high-grade material commands a higher price than lower-grade logs used for fencing or utility construction. The actual price received by a landowner is the stumpage price, which is the final delivered log price minus all costs associated with logging, hauling, and milling.
Cost of Dimensional Lumber and Finished Products
Once a redwood log is processed into dimensional lumber, the cost shifts to a retail product price determined by the wood’s grade. The most budget-friendly option is “Construction Common,” which includes knots and lighter-colored sapwood, typically priced around $3.00 to $4.00 per board foot. This grade is widely used for fencing and general deck construction where a rustic appearance is acceptable.
Higher-grade material is necessary for projects requiring durability and a clean look. “Construction Heart” and “Clear” grades, which have fewer knots and less sapwood, generally sell for $4.50 to $6.00 per board foot. The most expensive grade is “Clear All Heart” (CAH), which is entirely heartwood with superior natural resistance to decay and insects.
This premium lumber is virtually knot-free and can cost upwards of $8.00 to over $10.00 per board foot, reflecting its scarcity and quality. Pricing is also influenced by the cut of the wood; vertical grain is more stable and often costs more than flat grain.
Finished products, such as custom-milled siding or outdoor furniture, carry a substantial premium over the raw lumber price. This added cost covers the labor-intensive processes of kiln-drying, specialized milling, and the craftsmanship required to produce the final item.