How to Prune a Red-Twigged Dogwood

Most trees and shrubs need to be pruned.

Many different types of plants or shrubs can be added to your outdoor living space to help improve the appearance and grandeur of your landscaping. One particularly unique shrub that you can choose is the red-twig dogwood. This particular shrub features intensely colored bark that will turn a striking red, yellow or orange color during the winter months. In the spring and well into the fall, the bark's color will fade and be replaced by vibrant gold, green or multicolored leaves. To help keep your red-twig dogwood looking its best all year long, you will need to prune it.

Instructions

1. Create a schedule for pruning your red-twig dogwood. Generally, these shrubs should be pruned once a year in the springtime just as the bark starts to fade in color.

2. Use appropriate pruning shears on your red-twig dogwood. This shrub can grow over 6 feet tall, so for branches you can't reach, use a pole pruner. All other areas can be pruned using hand shears.

3. Prune the right part of the red-twig dogwood. To ensure new growth and a healthier shrub, you should prune approximately one-third of the older branches on the red-twig dogwood.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're not sure where to start pruning your red-twig dogwood, a general rule is to cut approximately ¼- inch above a lateral branch of the shrub or above a growing bud.

References

• Fine Gardening.com: Red-twig Dogwood
• Purdue University Department of Horticulture: Pruning Ornamental Trees and Shrubs