Stabilizing a Newly Planted, Shaky Dogwood

Post-Planting Care for a Loose Dogwood

Your container-grown dogwood was planted in a large-enough hole but feels shaky. You’ve staked it—good. Now fertilize after leaf fall to stimulate root growth.

Fertilizer Prescription

• 10-10-10 at 1 lb per inch of trunk diameter.
• Scatter around the tree, water in well (or apply before rain).

Combined with staking, this fall feeding will help the root system anchor the tree firmly by next season.