How to Plant a Princess Dogwood Tree

A princess dogwood is an ornamental tree with white or pink flowers. Start with a healthy sapling from a reputable nursery and choose an appropriate growing site. Dogwood trees grow best where they are partially sheltered from the sun and prefer soil that is moist, yet not soggy. With attention to the dogwood's early needs, the tree should grow to be a large and healthy addition to your yard.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Princess dogwood sapling
• Water
• Mulch
• Fertilizer

Instructions

1. Dig a hole. As you remove the soil, place it where you can sift through it to prepare it for refilling the hole. The hole should be significantly wider than the root ball and deep enough so the roots will be even with the top of the soil when the hole is refilled.

2. Place the tree in the hole and make sure it is at the proper level.

3. Sift through the removed soil and break up any large clumps. Remove and discard any rocks or foreign objects.

4. Refill the hole around the root ball. Pat down the soil to make sure there are no pockets of air around the roots.

5. Water the newly planted tree twice a week when rainfall is scarce. Do not water more often because the roots may become saturated and rot. Water the tree in autumn as well.

6. Place up to 4 inches of shredded leaves or pine bark on the top of the soil around the tree. A wide area of mulch will keep the soil moist and will insulate the roots from cold and heat.

7. Fertilize a small tree with 1 tbsp. of all-purpose fertilizer in the spring and midsummer. Fertilize a tree up to 6 feet tall with 1/4 cup of fertilizer. Fertilize an established tree with 1 cup of fertilizer. Spread the fertilizer evenly over the soil up to 2 feet around the trunk.

References

• Growing Dogwood Trees
• Dogwood Trees