Once established seedlings can obtain remarkable growth rates in the first season. Redwoods can reproduce asexually by layering or sprouting from the root crown or stump. Redwood occurs in a maritime Mediterranean climate, where the winters are cool and rainy, and the summers are dry. The fog reduces the drought stress of this hydrophilic plant by reducing evapotranspiration and adding soil moisture. Redwoods beyond the fog belt appear to be limited to areas of high moisture.
Redwood releases well even at quite an old age.
There is some debate over the classification of redwood as a climax species. After flooding and stem burial, redwood will develop a new and higher lateral root system from buried buds on the bole of the tree. Redwood female strobili become receptive and pollen is shed from late November to early March. Female strobili start ripening in September of the first year. Mature female strobili can be identified when their color changes from green to greenish yellow.