Evenly broadcast the fertilizer on the soil surface covering a radius 2 ft from the trunk.įor established trees, ½ lb (1 cup) of a 12-4-8 or 16-4-8 per inch of trunk diameter (measured 4 ft above ground level) in March and again in July is adequate. A newly-planted dogwood 6 ft tall requires about ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) of a 12-4-8 or 16-4-8 fertilizer in March and again in July. tall, apply one level tablespoonful in March and July. Do not over-fertilize young trees in an effort to accelerate growth. Many recently planted trees are killed by heavy fertilization. FertilizingĪny general purpose fertilizer, such as 16-4-8 or 12-4-8, can be used. Pine straw, pine bark or fall leaves, applied to a depth of 3 to 4 in., provides an excellent mulch. Mulching a wide area under the tree will maintain an even moisture level and will insulate the roots from winter cold and summer heat. of soil, and they extend several feet beyond the spread of the canopy. Most tree roots are within the top 12 in. Continue to water during the dry fall months. Watering too frequently, however, saturates the soil and may rot the roots. Water them thoroughly once or twice a week during dry periods. Mulching and WateringĪdequate water during the first two growing seasons may determine whether dogwood trees live or die. Place wire inside a piece of old garden hose to prevent it from injuring the bark. Tie supporting wire just above the lowest scaffold branches so that the top portion of the tree can sway in the wind. If the tree is more than 4 ft tall, it may be necessary to stake and tie it so it’s held firmly in place until the roots are established, one to two growing seasons. Mulch the area to prevent weed and grass growth under the tree and to eliminate the need for close mowing and cultivation. The most satisfactory way to protect the trunk from lawn mower damage is to drive three metal stakes into the ground about 6 in. Larvae of this insect feed underneath the bark, and can kill the tree. Additional Precautionsĭamage to the trunk of dogwoods by “bumping” with lawn mowers invites invasion by dogwood borers. Plant balled and burlapped (B & B) trees and bareroot trees when they are dormant (November-March). Planting SeasonĬontainer-grown plants can be planted anytime if they're watered carefully. In compacted clay soils a large planting hole with loose backfill soil is essential for proper plant establishment. Place organic material on top as a mulch rather than in the planting hole as an amendment. Then backfill with the same soil removed from the hole after breaking apart clods and removing stones or other debris. Make certain the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Research indicates that optimal growth is achieved when a large, wide planting hole is dug and the backfill soil is well worked. Inadequate soil preparation will cause establishment problems and slow growth. On the other hand, planting in dense shade will likely result in poor flowering. Growth problems are more likely in hot, dry exposures. In the wild the dogwood is commonly found as an understory tree growing under hardwoods and pines. Planting in poorly drained areas will usually result in the tree dying.īest results will be obtained when dogwoods are planted in association with larger trees that provide moderate shade. Their primary demands are good soil drainage and protection from drought. They are never found in poorly drained locations in the woods. Some of the more popular varieties are listed below: White Bractsĭogwoods are adaptable to several types of soils however, they naturally grow in moist, fertile soils high in organic matter. These dogwoods are more expensive than those propagated from seed, but are usually well worth the added cost since they may flower at an earlier age or be more showy in flower. An increasing number of vegetatively produced selections are being introduced as named varieties. Most of the flowering dogwoods planted in Georgia are the white-bracted native form, which are grown from seed. Select bareroot and B & B (balled and burlapped) trees whose root systems have been protected from drying out by being “heeled-in” to moist sawdust or other organic materials. Container-grown dogwoods should have healthy white root systems which are not pot-bound. Avoid trees with damage to the stems or trees which appear under stress. Dogwoods are not difficult to grow if they are located in the proper site and if healthy trees are purchased and planted properly. The true flower parts in the center of the bracts are less showy. The showy part of a dogwood flower is actually bracts, which are modified leaves that turn color. It is native to the eastern United States and can be found growing throughout Georgia. One of the most widely planted ornamental trees in Georgia is the flowering dogwood (Cornus florida).
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