Red Dogwood Tree Care

Remove about a third of the stems at ground level every year.

Red dogwood tree care. Somewhat acidic soil is preferred. Try to plant your dogwood tree on the edge of a group of trees to replicate this natural protection. Since it s good for usda growing zones 5 9 it has the ability to grow in just about any climate providing it gets the proper full to partial sun exposure required. This means that they grow with other trees above them.

It will grow in a variety of soil conditions including wet soils dry soils and poor soils though will perform best in a well draining soil that is kept evenly moist. Work humus into the soil for nutrients. Annual pruning is essential to keep the brilliant colors of the twigs. Red twig dogwood care is minimal except for pruning.

Blooms in march with tiny bright yellow flowers in clusters no bracts. The asian counterpart cornus officinalis has shaggy exfoliating bark. In their wild forest environment dogwoods are understory trees. The red dogwood grows in acidic loamy moist rich sandy well drained and clay soils.

Because newly hatched larvae enter the tree through wounds or broken bark avoid damage to the bark when doing lawn maintenance or pruning. Infected trees can be treated by spraying with an insecticide. Bright red fruit in september make an effective show. The most common insect pest is the dogwood borer whose larvae burrow under the bark of the trunk and limbs.

Planting care the red dogwood cornus florida is the perfect tree for smaller yards moderately growing to a mature height and width of 20 25 feet. For care of flowering dogwood trees regular watering once a week to a depth of 6 inches should suffice. Dogwoods grown in containers can be planted or transplanted any time of the year with regular watering while bare root or burlap dogwood trees should only be transplanted in the late fall or early spring when it s less likely that you ll lose them to a sudden frost. The primary goal of pruning red twig dogwoods is to remove the old stems that no longer show good winter color.

Red twig dogwood bushes are considered good areas with consistently moist soil for example wet spots where homeowners may wish to establish woodland gardens although some types perform better in well drained soils. Care of flowering dogwood most dogwoods require supplemental water during summer and fall especially during hot dry spells. This is a hardy tree that is capable of withstanding very low temperatures and is ideal for growing in cold climates. However adding a generous layer of mulch will help retain moisture minimizing watering chores.