Dogwoods

[BlueCrab1027]

This past Spring I planted two dogwoods (Kousa) in my front yard. I am basically very pleased with the way they appear to have adapted. I am curious as to whether these six-month old plantings need any special preventive care before cold weather arrives (fertilizing, staking, etc.). Our winters here in Maryland are generally fairly mild, but with occasional snow and ice storms. I assume no pruning should be done until next Spring, if then. Any help appreciated.

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

I've seen Cournus kousa listed as zone 5 but never heard of it surviving here in S/E WI. I think it is a marginal 5. My boss here at MCC is from northern Mass and remebers it well so I think MD should not have a problem with it.

Unless there are some major defects in the structure that need immidiate correction, leave it alone for a few years.

 

[Jay Banks]

Kousas do well here in northern Virginia. You shouldn't have any problems.

I would consider pruning dogwoods a little harder to do than your average tree do to the branching habit. Buy a good pruning guide.

 

[active]

If possible pruning should be done in late winter.

Jim

 

[treetrunk]

Over here we try to prune our dogwoods in Spring, as a lot of dogwoods have attractive coloured stems for winter colours.