Plant Talk |
CAUTION:The information and recommendations in this article are applicable to Harnett County, NC and may not apply in other areas.
DOGWOODS, 01/17/97
Few trees evoke as much sentiment among North Carolinians as our native dogwood. I can scarcely say the word "spring" without picturing a dogwood in full bloom. Many of us have this graceful tree in our landscapes, by fortune or design. It is also one of the good choices for replacing trees lost to Hurricane Fran, as its relatively low height causes less of a threat to powerlines and buildings. Today I would like to share some tips on caring for this treasured tree.
PLANTING AND CARE OF NEW TREES
When planting dogwoods, it is best to buy quality plants from your favorite nursery. They will generally do much better than dogwoods transplanted from the wild. There are many good cultivars (varieties) to consider, including Cherokee Princess, Cloud 9, Pendula, and White Cloud. If red or pink is your preferred color, consider Red Cloud and Cherokee Chief. The Japanese or Kousa dogwood is also an excellent choice as it is resistant to many of the problems which plague our native species. The Kousa blooms about 2 weeks later than our native dogwoods.
For a planting site, dogwoods prefer moist soils with good drainage, and a pH of 5.5 to 6.0 ("Don't guess, soil test!"). Partial shade is preferable for best performance. Plant it no deepter than it was growing in the container or nursery. It is generally not necessary to add any organic matter to the planting hole. They will, however, benefit greatly from a 3-4 inch layer of pinestraw or other mulch. This will help hold moisture in the soil, and also prevent injury to the trunk from the lawn mower or string trimmer. Trunk injury is one of the most serious problems for dogwoods. Fall and winter are good times for planting, though they can be planted year round with proper care.
It is a good practice to wrap the trunk with burlap or heavy paper strips after planting. This will help prevent boring insects from invading the tender, young tree. If rainfall is infrequent, give the tree a weekly watering when becoming established.
MAINTENANCE OF ESTABLISHED TREES
A yearly application of fertilizer will help the tree stay healthy. Apply in the spring, just as the new growth begins. As a rule of thumb, use about 1 pound of 8-8-8 fertilizer per inch of trunk diameter. Dogwoods are somewhat susceptible to drought, so be sure that sufficient water is provided during dry periods.
Winter is also a good time to prune out dead, damaged, and diseased branches. This will improve the health and appearance of your dogwoods (and your other trees for that matter). Pruning cuts should be made just outside the branch collar, which is a raised ridge of bark at the base of each branch. As a general practice, pruning tools should be cleaned to prevent spread of disease.
Most insect and disease problems can be prevented through proper care. And when problems do occur, a well-maintained tree will be more resilient. By following these steps, you can enjoy the year round beauty of dogwoods for years to come. Back to Plant Talk Index
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