How to Grow a Live Redwood Burl

Coast redwood trees have the ability to grow from both seeds and dormant buds, or burls, that grow on the sides of the trees. If something happens to damage the tree, the burl often survives. When it becomes active, it grows its own roots and it also taps into the existing root system of the parent tree. A redwood burl also grows in a different location if you move it. Burl may not produce any sprouts with sustainable root systems that allow you to plant a redwood tree in your backyard, but the sprouts growing from the burl may live for years.

Things You'll Need

• Container
• Cutting instrument

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Select a container for the burl. Find one that has a slightly larger diameter than the redwood burl. The container should be at least 2 inches deep and able to hold water.

   • 2

     Set the burl in the container so the bottom of the burl is in the water. Keep water in the container at all times.

   • 3

     Watch the redwood sprouts come out of the top of the burl. In time, you may see roots growing from the bottom of the burl.

   • 4

     Plant any trees that actually sprout in a location where they receive plenty of moisture. If no roots develop, prune the shoots growing from the burl with a cutting instrument. Shape the miniature forest to suit your tastes.