Are you looking to prune a dogwood tree? Read on to learn how to properly prune your dogwood tree for optimal growth and health.
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Why You Should Prune a Dogwood Tree
Pruning a dogwood tree can seem daunting, but it’s actually quite simple! Here are a few reasons why you should prune your dogwood tree:
-To promote growth: Pruning encourages new growth in a tree, so if your Dogwood tree is looking a little lackluster, give it a trim!
-To shape the tree: Pruning allows you to shape the tree to your liking, so if you want your Dogwood tree to have a certain shape or size, pruning is the way to go.
-To remove dead or diseased branches: Dead or diseased branches can be unsightly and can also be damaging to the rest of the tree. Removing them will help keep your Dogwood tree healthy and looking its best.
The Best Time of Year to Prune a Dogwood Tree
There are two main types of dogwoods, flowering and non-flowering. Flowering dogwoods (Cornus florida) are the familiar spring-flowering trees with large, showy bracts. Non-flowering dogwoods (Cornus kousa) have small inconspicuous flowers and often fruits that resemble strawberries. Both types are relatively easy to care for and make excellent specimen trees in the home landscape.
Pruning is necessary to maintain the health and vigor of dogwood trees, as well as to control their shape and size. The best time of year to prune these trees is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. This will give the tree plenty of time to heal before the stress of summer heat sets in.
How to Prune a Dogwood Tree
Pruning a dogwood tree is important to maintain its shape and health. You should prune your dogwood tree in early spring before new growth begins. You will need a sharp pair of pruning shears and a ladder to reach the higher branches. Follow these steps to prune your dogwood tree.
What You’ll Need
Pruning shears
A saw (if needed)
A ladder (if needed)
Step 1
Start pruning dogwood trees in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. pruning at this time of year will help minimize the risk of infection from diseases that can be spread by pruning tools.
Step 2
Remove any dead, diseased or damaged wood, cutting it back to healthy tissue. Also remove any all crossing, rubbing or otherwise poorly-positioned branches. Make all cuts cleanly, just above a bud or leaf node.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Pruning a dogwood tree is an important task that should be done annually to keep the tree healthy and vigorous. Dogwoods are susceptible to a number of diseases, so it’s important to remove any dead or diseased branches as soon as possible.
Follow these step-by-step instructions to prune your dogwood tree:
1.Start by examining the tree for any dead or diseased branches. These should be removed first, regardless of where they are located on the tree. Use a pair of sharp pruning shears or a saw to remove the branch, cutting it as close to the trunk as possible.
2.Next, take a look at the tree’s overall shape and identify any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. These should also be removed to prevent damage or disease. Again, use sharp pruning shears or a saw to make your cuts.
3.Now you can focus on shaping the tree by trimming back any branches that are too long or out of place. Make sure to make your cuts at a 45-degree angle, pointing away from the center of the tree.
4.Finally, remove any suckers that are growing from the base of the tree or from the trunk itself. These can be easily pulled off by hand or cut with pruning shears.
