How to Trim a Dogwood Tree
Dogwood trees are small, deciduous trees planted across the country for their beautiful, early blooms. Dogwoods thrive in moist, partially-shaded conditions. They are available in many species, with pink, white or yellow flowers. Dogwood trees grow quickly, and usually do not get taller than 25 feet. Only prune your dogwood trees when there are dead, diseased or infested with pests. Prune your dogwood when it is dormant, during the late fall and winter, to prevent disease and shock. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Determine What to Prune
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Mark any low-sprouting stems and low-hanging branches with a piece of fluorescent tape wrapped around the branch, so you know which ones to cut.
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Look for brittle and dry branches without any leaves. Wrap some fluorescent tape around these dead branches for removal.
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Wrap tape around any branches with severe insect damage or cuts and abrasions to the bark. Trimming these branches will prevent insects and diseases from spreading to the rest of the tree.
Trimming the Tree
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Saw a small wedge cut on the underside of the branch with a pole pruner. The cut should be about 2 inches out from the stem collar, which is the raised lip at the base of the branch.
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Saw off the branch completely, leaving about 6 inches of the branch attached to the tree.
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Make a third cut to remove as much of the branch stub as possible. Saw off the remaining branch about 1 to ½ inch away from the stem collar.
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Use pruning clippers for branches that are less than 1 inch in diameter. Make a clean cut as close to the stem collar as possible.
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Tips & Warnings
Be careful not to damage the stem collar and bark of the tree. Any abrasions or cuts to these areas will create an entry point for pests and diseases. Never trim more than 25 percent off the tree. Any amount of pruning causes stress, and over pruning can cause irreversible damage.
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Comments
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do you need to put a seal where you cut on the tree to keep it healthy?
