How to Plant Grafted Dogwood Trees

Make sure dogwood graft lines are above the soil surface.

Grafted dogwood trees consist of a dogwood stem cutting that is attached to the roots of another type of tree. The two sections eventually grow together to form a single tree. Many dogwood trees are grafted, and some, such as the pink dogwood, are always grafted because of their poor seed germination rates. Planting a grafted tree is similar to planting a non-grafted tree, but special attention must be given to the planting depth.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Mulch

Instructions

1. Plant in an area of the yard that is semi-shady to shady and has moist, fertile soil. Choose a location away from walls and buildings, which reflect heat and can damage the dogwood.

2. Dig a hole three times as wide as the root ball of the grafted dogwood tree that's being planted. The hole should be 2 to 3 inches deeper than the depth of the tree's root ball.

3. Break up any large clumps in the soil that was removed from the hole, using a shovel. Place 2 to 3 inches of the loosened soil back into the bottom of the hole.

4. Place the roots of the grafted dogwood into the hole. Examine the base of the tree trunk for a raised line of bark that encircles the trunk. This is the graft line and must be at least 6 inches above the soil surface.

5. Fill in the remainder of the hole with additional soil. Press down on the top to firm it, and remove any air pockets.

6. Water the soil under the tree until it is saturated.

7. Spread a 3-inch layer of mulch in a circular pattern around the base of the grafted dogwood tree to hold in soil moisture.

Tips & Warnings

• The best time to plant grafted dogwood trees is in the early spring before the new green growth begins.

References

• Tree Help: Flowering Dogwood Care a Step-by-Step Guide
• Plant Propagation: Pruning Grafted & Budded Plants
• Home Orchard Society: How to Plant a Fruit Tree