Transplanting and Pruning a Kousa Dogwood

Moving an 8-Foot-Wide Kousa Dogwood

A homeowner needs to move a Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa) about 8 feet in diameter (canopy spread) and asks about timing and severe pruning.

Best Transplant Times

• Spring: As soon as ground thaws, before leaves fully expand.
• Fall: After leaf color turns, before ground freezes.

Do not move in summer heat.

Root Ball Requirements

For a 2-inch trunk diameter (typical for 8-ft spread):

• Ball width: 18–24 inches (9–12″ per inch trunk diameter)
• Ball depth: 12 inches (6″ per inch trunk diameter)
• New hole: Twice as wide, same depth, backfilled with native soil.

Pruning for Transplant

• Only remove dead, broken, or very low branches.
• Do not shear or severely cut back. Kousa dogwoods bloom on old wood; heavy pruning removes flower buds.
• Best prune time: Right after flowering in spring (if not transplanting).

Post-Transplant Care

• Water deeply: 1 inch every 3 days for first season.
• Mulch 3 inches, 3-foot ring, not on trunk.
• Stake only if unstable; remove after 1 year.
• No fertilizer first year.