How to Prune a Dogwood Tree for the Most Blossoms

Dogwoods come in a variety of types that can bloom a spectrum of gorgeous flowers. Dogwood blooms can range from pale white to pink to a dark reddish color. It is important to promote full blooms and the health of your dogwood by pruning. Pruning can take off diseased branches that may prevent the dogwood from growing flowers. It can also promote new growth. Find out how you can prune dogwood for the most blossoms.

Things You'll Need

• Fungicide
• Wound dressing
• Pruners
• Hacksaw
• Chainsaw

Instructions

1. Inspect your dogwood for any damaged or diseased branches. Look for purple spots or tan splotches on leaves to indicate your dogwood may have contracted the fungal disease, dogwood anthracnose. Other indications of disease include wilted leaves, disfigured bracts, lesions on twigs and powdering mildew.

2. Dip sharp pruners or a hacksaw into a mixture of 10 percent denatured alcohol and water when taking off diseased branches to avoid spreading diseases. Make a clean cut to reduce further infecting your tree with insects or fungi.

3. Cut off any water spouts. Water sprouts are twigs that grow straight from the base of the tree or lateral branches. These twigs steal important nutrients and water from the tree.

4. Improve air circulation by pruning the lower branches. Greater air circulation helps the tree's health in producing blossoms and reduces the risk of the tree becoming infected.

5. Trim less attractive older stems to produce new growth. New growth will also result in more blossoms.

Tips & Warnings

• Prune in the fall during the tree's dormant season to reduce the risk of your tree getting dogwood borers.

• Avoid making flesh cuts on your dogwood with pruners or mowers. Flesh cuts can allow pests and fungi to enter your dogwood.

References

• Pruning Dogwoods
• Trimming Trees
• Dogwood Diseases