Question
I am writing this note August, 2009 and live in the Washington DC metro area. Our weather is in the 80s. My RT Dogwoods are leggy and overgrown and have not pruned in over a year. Overall, seem healthy but a little unruly. Can I prune now in this heat and should I just prune the outer/leggy/bending toward ground ones down to the soil - cut all the way down? Then, in the Fall, trim from the top?  Hoping for quick response.  Thanks so much.

Answer
Hi Sandy,
Thanx for your question.

For maximal color, prune out 1/3 of the older branches every three years. This promotes new growth.  Younger branches bear the brightest color.  Prune in late winter.  I don't think it would do any harm to prune out the outer/leggy stems bending towards the ground.  Cut down to ground level.  I hope this helps.
Tom