Dogwood Tree Care Tips
Our Top 10 Tips for Caring for Dogwood Trees. The flowering dogwood is Virginia's state tree, and there’s no better option when searching for a tree that looks beautiful and that will thrive in regions throughout our state.. But, like any tree, a dogwood tree needs care in Northern VA. To help you get started, here’s a look at how to grow dogwood trees and dogwood tree care tips:
Dogwood tree care tips. How to Care for Kousa Dogwoods. Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa) adorns its surroundings with elegantly star-shaped, cream-colored spring blooms, red summer berries and striking, red-to-purple autumn. Dogwood Care and Maintenance Tips. Spread a layer of mulch around the base of the new dogwood tree or shrub to help the distrubed soil retain its moisture. This will also help prevent weeds from taking root around the base of the tree right away. The following tips will help you care for your mature dogwood trees: Mulching: Dogwood trees have a shallow root system that needs mulch to help retain moisture and keep the soil temperature cool. Apply 4 to 6 inches of mulch around the base of your dogwood tree. Watering: Dogwood trees benefit from a deep watering if there is a drought or heat. Dogwood trees (Cornus spp.) are cherished for long-lasting spring blooms of pink, white or red. Depending on their species, dogwoods thrive from U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 3 through 9. To ensure the health of your dogwood tree, grow it in rich, well-drained soil with dappled light and plenty of air circulation.
A stressed dogwood tree shows signs of its struggle through stunted growth, leaf drop or twig dieback, as well as dogwood leaves turning brown. Without proper health and care, over time, your. Dogwood Tree Care: Disease and Pests Aphids and powdery mildew can be a problem, but a fungicidal application and horticultural oils in spring can help prevent insects and diseases. Powdery mildew, an unsightly fungal infection, doesn't usually kill the tree but probably weakens it until another pest comes along and delivers the final blow. Read on to learn all the dogwood tree information you need to know to add this flowering ornamental species to your yard and have it thrive for decades to come, including dogwood trees planting and care tips. Whatever Kousa dogwood cultivar you choose, it will have the same basic care needs as all the other varieties. Tips for Growing Kousa Dogwood Trees. Kousa dogwood does much better when planted in the spring than in the fall, so wait until the last sign of frost has passed before putting in your new tree.
Dogwood Tree Care Dogwood trees do require some special care to help them thrive as they are fragile and susceptible to mechanical injuries and several insect and disease conditions. Fungicide application can help prevent diseases and horticultural oils at the beginning of the season should be used to smother scale insects and reduce. Look at the container your dogwood tree came in. Put more soil in the ground t so that the tree is at the same level in this new home. Tip 4 – Leave Room at the Top For Watering. When you put the tree in the ground, add mulch around the base of the tree. Leave a little space around the base for watering. Tip 5 – Protect it From Harsh Hot. Additionally, these berries, once they fall off the tree, can end up growing into other dogwood trees. Of course, the dogwood tree care routine will change as the colder seasons approach, and we’re not just talking about raking up some leaves. Here are some tips for how to care for your dogwood trees in the fall and winter months. Planting Water the tree immediately after planting and keep it moist at all times. However, ensure that it doesn’t get soggy or overly-moist. 5. Fertilize the tree with a water-based fertilizer during spring and summer months. Kousa Dogwood Care. Water the tree regularly during the initial months and hot spells.
The Cornus kousa (Korean Dogwood or just Kousa) tree is more resistant to diseases that plague other dogwoods.It thrives in zones 5-9. It is sometimes referred to as the Chinese dogwood. The attractive C. kousa is native to Japan, China, Korea and Taiwan.. The C. kousa is grown for its flowers in addition to its hardy, dependable nature. It blooms around late spring and early summer. The Kousa Dogwood variety is native to China and Japan. It flowers a bit later on average than the Flowering Dogwood, and produces a slightly different berry. Product Links: 1 GL. White Flowering Dogwood Tree – Kousa Pink Bareroot Dogwood. How To Plant. The best time to plant Dogwood trees is in the early fall or spring. Best Time to Prune a Dogwood Tree. People ask if they can trim a dogwood in the summer or cut back a dogwood in the fall, but the best time to prune a dogwood tree is in late fall until late winter. This is when the dogwood is completely dormant. There are 2 main reasons to only prune during the dormant period. Insects and oozing sap. If your area receives a lot of heavy winds, use a tree staking kit to keep your tree in place until the roots become established. Care. Dogwood Trees are often a popular choice for planting because they are extremely low-maintenance. They will survive in locations with full sun, as well as partially shaded areas.
Compost should be added under the tree each spring, spreading out to the dripline. If mulch is desired, add a 2 inch layer around the base to reduce weed growth. Height and Spread of a Flowering Dogwood. A typical healthy, mature flowering dogwood can be expected to reach a height of between 15 to 30 feet, with a spread of 15 to 20 feet. Be sure to water the tree thoroughly after planting and on a regular basis until the tree establishes itself. Care of Flowering Dogwood. Most dogwoods require supplemental water during summer and fall, especially during hot, dry spells. For care of flowering dogwood trees, regular watering once a week to a depth of 6 inches should suffice.