Fertilizing Chinese Dogwoods: Less Is More

Do Healthy Dogwoods Need Fertilizer?

A Pennsylvania community has 7–8 foot Chinese dogwoods, three years old, looking healthy. Residents use HollyTone (acid-loving plant fertilizer) on everything. The expert advises: if trees are green and vigorous, don't fertilize at all. If desired, apply 10-10-10 at 1 lb per inch of trunk diameter once every year or two, just before rain.

Key Points

• Dogwoods prefer slightly acidic soil but don't require specialized fertilizer if healthy.
• Over-fertilization stresses trees and invites disease.
• Mulch and proper watering are more beneficial than routine feeding.

Save the HollyTone for your azaleas and rhododendrons.