Here’s what I’ve experienced…. Well before that I would say that the big question is what’s your goal? In this case it means what do to want the over all style to be. I can envision gentle clouds of foliage with the bare shari emanating from the layers of clouds… nothing on top, with a couple small daughter trees at the base… kept small.
But your tree and…. ya gotta have a concept. That‘s the hardest part.
Pruning: Start early in the year to develop the secondary trunk.
@BrianBay9 gave some solid advice from there. Shoot for standard pad development. Practice good clip and grow technique.
Hmm…. keep the tree healthy, mist regularly and speak to the Redwood tree gods positively. Back buds will appear when the tree is healthy… but where the epicormic buds lie no one knows. You can’t rely on back budding appearing where you want.
One tangible thing you can do to help is trim down the upward rising branch down on that side regularly to keep it from hogging all the resources.
Wire as the foliage hardens off. Watch the wire as the tree grows swiftly!
Seems ok with an occasional supplement. Keep the trees out of the hot sun as these pellet formulas push a bit more ferts through the prills in the heat… plus coastal redwoods, as you know do not like to get really hot. Your morning sun plan will work fine, yet watch out for those blistering heat waves that occasionally hit the Bay. Mist often, or rig a misting system on a timer.
I use Osmocote plus and supplement with occasionally fish emulsion/CalMag/Humic acid… or Miracid. But my trees are in earlier stages of development, trunking out from 1 1/2 - 1 3/4” diameters this year.… and I’m shooting to ground layer each thi year.
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You are welcome. I’m sure there are others with more info. Check out your local club.
btw: I spent six years living in Alameda and loved it…. Sadly Uncle transferred me to Hawaii. Lots more diving however.
cheers
DSD sends