Pruning Dogwood Trees: Timing and Technique

Dogwood buds

August flower bud formation on a wide-spreading, low-branched dogwood prompts pruning questions.

Advice

• Wait until leaf drop (late fall/winter) to prune.
• Cut to a fork or main trunk—not just branch tips (causes ugly sprouting).
• Don't remove terminal (top) leaders—stunts height growth.
• Expect fewer flowers next spring but quick recovery.

Fertilizing

Apply 10-10-10 at 1 lb per inch of trunk diameter next spring. Avoid "Weed & Feed"—herbicide component kills trees.