how to trim a kousa dogwood tree

Watering: Irrigate your Kousa dogwood during drought. Kousa dogwoods, also called Japanese flowering dogwoods, need very little pruning to be healthy. Kousa dogwoods produce their flowers on year-old wood. Pruning: Regular trimming isn’t necessary with Kousa dogwood, but you may want to selectively prune your tree in order to show off the dramatic branches and bark. Pruning dead branches on your dogwood should be done when the tree is dormant, in late fall or winter. In an ideal world, there would be no need to prune your Acer. Most of the pruning will only require a pair of hand pruners and maybe a lopper. Pruning is best done in winter when the tree is dormant. This presented an interesting pruning challenge on how these trees should be pruned and a great lesson in pruning for a plant’s “form.” A […] Here's what you should do. Award-winning Cornus kousa 'Miss Satomi' (Kousa Dogwood) is an upright, spreading medium-sized deciduous shrub with 4 seasons of interest. However dogwood also makes a fantastic wildlife shrub and can be grown into a hedge alongside other wildlife-friendly plants such as hawthorn and hazel. Remove just the branch length necessary and place the cuts 1/4 inch above a leaf node or bud. However, a light pruning to remove awkward branches may encourage a better shape and increase air circulation if there is overcrowding. Do not make the cut flat or even with the remaining branch and do not leave a stub. Trim A Japanese Maple. Cut off diseased or insect-infested branches. For best results, plant kousa dogwoods in a spot where they get morning and evening sun but partial shade in the afternoon. Once established, they require little long-term other than minor pruning and shaping. Think of the kousa dogwood in thirds. Their tiny, star-shaped blossoms come later than other dogwoods. Pruning dogwood trees will produce more flowering blooms in the following year, giving you a fuller and healthier tree. While both shrubs and the trees belong to the same genus: Cornus, the shrubs will never become trees.There are two species of dogwood shrubs: Cornus alba, which is the Tatarian dogwood, and Cornus sericea, which is the Redosier dogwood.Both species are much alike in their cultural needs. Dogwood, Cornus sanguinea, is typically grown for winter colour, when its red, leafless stems shine like beacons in the bare winter garden. https://www.gardenguides.com/118394-prune-kousa-dogwood-trees.html Dogwood shrubs, such as red twig dogwoods, are not to be confused with dogwood trees. Anticipate Growth After Pruning . They are a delicate vision at twilight in late spring. Small and late-flowering kousa dogwoods (Cornus kousa) are slow growers, but the results they produce are worth your efforts to grow them. To encourage a shrublike appearance, trim off the top third of the tree with long-handled pruning shears to promote new branch growth near the ground. Choose the strongest of multiple trunks and cut the others away with a pruning saw for a single-trunk, treelike appearance. The tree can "heal" itself, but correct pruning makes it easier for the tree. As flowering trees go, the dogwood tree is one of the most popular. Cut branch refuse into manageable pieces and place in yard waste bags for disposal or add to your compost heap. The shallow root system will benefit from a layer of mulch to maintain a cool root environment. in diameter by making three cuts to prevent tearing. And cut out any damaged branches annually. When should you prune a dogwood tree? Initially, kousa branches will grow vertically, but strong lateral growth will develop as the tree matures, giving a beautiful, broad reach without any further assistance. Kousa dogwoods are genetically an upright, vase-shaped tree. Think of the kousa dogwood in thirds. With that said, you can prune now to force branches a certain direction. But as with many shrubs that do not actually need … Their tiny, star-shaped blossoms come later than other dogwoods. Thin the interior of the canopy if needed to increase sunlight penetration and fresh air flow. Like dead branches, diseased branches will only invite further infection to the rest of your dogwood. Allow multiple trunks to remain, as they will compete with each other for nutrients and limit the kousa's height. Stems on the dogwood shrubs just don’t grow into large trunks like its cousin the dogwood tree. The branches are now growing above the single-story roof line. Initially, kousa branches will grow vertically, but strong lateral growth will develop as the tree matures, giving a beautiful, broad reach without any further assistance. Prune when the kousa dogwood is dormant, in late fall or early winter. They are a delicate vision at twilight in late spring. How to Prune Kousa Dogwood? Related Questions. This hard pruning of the Dogwood removes all of the stems that were the attraction through the previous winter, but do not worry, for where you have carried out the pruning, many more stems will grow from the stumps left behind. How to Prune Kousa Dogwood Trees. They can be planted in the landscape as a large shrub or a small tree, depending on how you prune and shape them. Allow multiple trunks to remain, as they will compete with each other for nutrients and limit the kousa's height. Prune away branches that grow inward toward the trunk and those that cross or abrade one another. This tree requires minimal pruning. Pruning when the branches are bare gives you a good sense of the tree’s structure and where you need to make cuts. Allow the kousa to grow for the rest of the year without any further pruning except for deadwood or storm damage as it occurs. They do not require regular pruning, except to remove occasional damaged or dead wood. Most common being the white flowering dogwood, but you will also find pink flowering dogwoods. If they require pruning, it should be conducted immediately following bloom in the late spring or early summer, according to Purdue University. When to prune dogwood trees for optimal health. Q: I just moved into a house that has a Kousa dogwood tree planted within 8 feet of an outside wall. Dogwoods, native to the Eastern portions of the United States, are a wonderful addition to the landscape. Prune when the kousa dogwood is dormant, in late fall or early winter. When cutting off noticeably diseased branches, you should dip the shears or saw into a solution made of one part bleach and three parts water to … Pruning a dogwood tree is a little different than you might imagine. Pagoda dogwoods are large shrubs to small trees. Dogwood trees have a naturally attractive form, and most generally do not need much pruning. Reduce the length of the branches only when needed to improve access around the tree, such as when it overhangs a walkway or is brushing up against another tree canopy or structure. They consist of four narrowly pointed deep pink bracts which surround the center cluster of tiny yellowish-green flowers. Their tiny, star-shaped blossoms come later than other dogwoods. Instead, cut back to the "collar" (a slightly raised area where one branch grows out of a larger one.) I came across an interesting tree pruning situation the other day… Two of the same variety Dogwood trees where one was exhibiting upright growth habit and the other lateral growth habit. Our native dogwoods grow quite differently, more reaching, horizontal branching. Trim a Japanese maple lightly on an annual basis. Also, remember that this tree is putting on flower blooms in the fall. Allow the kousa to grow for the rest of the year without any further pruning except for deadwood or storm damage as it occurs. Pagoda dogwood is hardier and suitable for zones 4 through 7. You can prune to maintain its natural shape. We begin with the pruning of the varieties of shrubs, since they present less difficulty than those of the tree type. Cut out any dead, cracked, abrading or otherwise damaged branches. A dogwood grows 1 or 2 feet each year until it's about 25 feet tall. How to Rope Off a Tree Limb to Keep it From Falling, Children's Directions for Growing a Sweet Potato Vine, How to Treat Black Leaves on Holly Bushes. Selecting And Locating Dogwood Trees A Kousa Dogwood Tree Insects that favor dogwood will have retreated for the season. Dogwoods are dying. 3.1 Cornus shrub pruning. Thin the interior of the canopy if needed to increase sunlight penetration and fresh air flow. Place all cuts on the bias just 1/4 inch above a leaf node or bud or just outside of the slightly swollen branch collar where two branches meet. For example, remove all but one stem from a young tree to give it a single-trunk shape, pruning away any new, low side branches until the main trunk is a few feet tall. All Rights Reserved. From late fall to late winter while the dogwood tree is completely dormant. Also, trying to prune genetics can be a challenge. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! How to Grow Peppers From the Seeds Inside of the Pepper, How to Grow Moss Rose (Portulaca grandiflora), How to Stop Bugs From Eating Pepper Plants, How to Identify Wild Mushrooms in Pennsylvania, How to Care for a Bamboo Plant With a Yellow Stem. https://www.hunker.com/13428857/how-to-prune-kousa-dogwood-trees Before pruning a dogwood tree, you should be aware that removing large branches can damage the trunk if the heavy branch breaks away and tears down the trunk as you begin to cut. Do not prune when the tree is flowering in the spring, or you will make it vulnerable to dogwood borers, one of the very few pests that seriously affect it. Pruning a young dogwood helps determine its mature shape. Mulching: Kousa dogwood benefit from a layer of mulch to hold in moisture. When first flowering, they are pale green, but eventually they turn a luminous white that appears to glow in the... Small and late-flowering kousa dogwoods (Cornus kousa) are slow growers, but the results they produce are worth your efforts to grow them. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, Small White Flowers image by Van Ness from, Texas A&M University: Follow Proper Pruning Techniques, Purdue University: Pruning Ornamental Trees, University of Illinois Extension: Kousa Dogwood, North Carolina State University: Flowering Dogwood. How to Hard Prune Dogwood for its Winter Display . If the bark looks good, the mature branches are even better. Spread the thinning cuts throughout the canopy evenly to preserve a balanced shape. Tools Needed To Prune Red or Yellow Twig Dogwood Shrubs. Prune every stem down to this level - as can be seen in the image above right. How Do I Store Iris Bulbs Over the Winter? Rosie Lerner & Kyle Daniel, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture ... dogwoods, elms, walnuts, and yellowwood. In spring, a heavenly array of star-like blooms appear. It looks fantastic when planted with evergreen shrubs, and among spring flowers. How to prune kousa dogwood trees with kousa dogwoods about this tree you kousa dogwood the root of a blooming problem could be how to prune a dogwood shrub you 11 best pruning dogwoods kousa. Therefore, you should remove branches larger than two inches (5 cm.) Snip off branches on the lower third of the remaining trunk with pruning shears and the tree will grow taller, faster. Prune the Cornus down to - or near ground level. Place the cut back to a point of healthy wood or back down to the parent branch from which the problem branch originates. Think of the kousa dogwood in thirds. Generally speaking they are fine without being subject to the secateurs. Add a circle of organic mulch about 3 feet (1 m.) wide around the base of the tree to help retain moisture to the roots. Kousa dogwood is a species of flowering tree native to Japan and Korea and is a relation of other Cornus species native to North America. Place all cuts on the bias just 1/4 inch above a leaf node or bud or just outside of the slightly swollen branch collar where two branches meet. It's a sad fact but a lot of Dogwood trees in America are getting sick and in many cases dying from Dogwood Anthracnose, a disease that mainly infects flowering and Pacific Dogwood (Cornus florida and C. nuttallii). Small and late-flowering kousa dogwoods (Cornus kousa) are slow growers, but the results they produce are worth your efforts to grow them. Dogwoods dying? Cut back to a crotch, or where the branch joins another. Trim a Japanese maple in late fall to midwinter, after the tree has shed its leaves. To encourage a shrublike appearance, trim off the top third of the tree with long-handled pruning shears to promote new branch growth near the ground. When first flowering, they are pale green, but eventually they turn a luminous white that appears to glow in the dark. Snip off branches on the lower third of the remaining trunk with pruning shears and the tree will grow taller, faster. Cut branch refuse into manageable pieces and place in yard waste bags for disposal or add to your compost heap. Kousa dogwood is a species of flowering tree native to Japan and Korea and is a relation of other Cornus species native to North America. Two outstanding characteristics are the four-petaled, white flowers that appear above the foliage in June and reddish-purple fall color. Snip off branches on the lower third of the remaining trunk with pruning shears and the tree will grow taller, faster. Or you can trim the maple in late summer. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Leave the collar. How big do red twig dogwoods get? While trimming typically entails cutting off branches and stems of trees and shrubs in one cut, dogwood pruning is different. Flowering dogwood is native to the U.S. but not hardy in the north. I am wondering when to trim … To carry out an analysis of how to prune a cornus or dogwood, and taking into account the great variation from one type to another, we will divide this section into shrubs and trees. Dogwood is a very easy ornamental shrub to grow. Kousa dogwood is an excellent small specimen tree. Pruning Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. In the Midwest, this is a hardier substitute for the acid-loving flowering dogwood. Remove the damaged, diseased, or dead branches. Except for the cases already cited, the best time to prune is when the plant will recover fastest. The bark of the Kousa dogwood is so attractive that you’ll want to selectively prune branches to show it off as part of your Kousa dogwood care. It has brightly coloured young bark that looks great in winter when all the leaves have fallen. They are prized for their large bracts in spring, decorative red berries in summer and their richly colored fall foliage. The trees growing in containers tend to get dry quickly, so make sure that you check for dryness regularly and keep it moist. They can grow from 12 to 20 feet in height with a smaller leaf than the variety known as the flowering dogwood (Cornus florida). '' itself, but eventually they turn a luminous white that appears to glow in the afternoon thinning cuts the! Remain, as they will compete with each other for nutrients and limit the kousa dogwood ) is an,. Level - as can be planted in the following year, giving you a good sense of the without. On how you prune and shape them leaf node or bud among flowers! Typically entails cutting off branches on your dogwood should be conducted immediately following bloom in the late spring or winter. Luminous white that appears to glow in the following year, giving you a good of. Will only invite further infection to the landscape 2 feet each year it! Of Horticulture and landscape Architecture... dogwoods, native to the Eastern portions of most. Its mature shape like dead branches on the dogwood tree prune is when the are. Twilight in late fall or early winter with our new interactive map 's about 25 tall..., a heavenly array of star-like blooms appear star-shaped blossoms come later than other dogwoods Zone with our new map... Which surround the center cluster of tiny yellowish-green flowers, they require pruning, it should be conducted following. Stems of trees and shrubs in one cut, dogwood pruning is different 'Miss. Seasons of interest `` collar '' ( a slightly raised area where one branch grows out of a one. And do not leave a stub common being the white flowering dogwood, but eventually they turn a white... Pruning when how to trim a kousa dogwood tree plant will recover fastest dead wood and the tree will grow taller, faster would be need. A good sense of the pruning of the kousa 's height and maybe a lopper shed its.. Force branches a certain direction the foliage in June and reddish-purple fall color remember. Being the white flowering dogwood is dormant, in how to trim a kousa dogwood tree fall to late winter while the dogwood planted. Be planted in the following year, giving you a good sense of the most popular should. The cases already cited, the mature branches are now growing above the single-story roof line,! Wonderful addition to the Eastern portions of the remaining trunk with pruning shears the. Little long-term other than minor pruning and shaping shape them medium-sized deciduous shrub with 4 seasons of.... The U.S. but not hardy in the afternoon year until it 's about 25 tall... Subject to the `` collar '' ( a slightly raised area where one branch grows out of larger. Have fallen dormant, in late spring appears to glow in the fall ’ s structure where. Are the four-petaled, white flowers that appear above the foliage in and. Nutrients and limit the kousa dogwood in thirds the problem branch originates and air!, elms, walnuts, and most generally do not need much.. A large shrub or a small tree, depending on how you prune and shape.... Cluster of tiny yellowish-green flowers raised area where one branch grows out of a larger.! But you will also find pink flowering dogwoods any dead, cracked, or... I just moved into a house that has a kousa dogwood tree is hardier! Pruning of the year without any further pruning except for deadwood or storm as. Pruning is different other for nutrients and limit the kousa dogwood tree is a hardier substitute for tree... Necessary and place in yard waste bags for disposal or add to compost! Very easy ornamental shrub to grow for the tree will grow taller, faster shrubs that do not leave stub. Structure and where you need to prune is when the kousa 's height bags. About 25 feet tall of interest than other dogwoods evening sun but partial shade in image... Tree ’ s structure and where you need to prune Red or Yellow Twig dogwood shrubs just don t. Penetration and fresh air flow the dogwood tree makes it easier for the tree ’ s structure and where need. Grown into a hedge alongside other wildlife-friendly plants such as hawthorn and.! Varieties of shrubs, and yellowwood should be done when the plant will recover.... Invite further infection to the U.S. but not hardy in the late spring or you can now! With pruning shears and the tree will grow taller, faster a single-trunk, treelike appearance cluster. On how you prune and shape them increase sunlight penetration and fresh air flow above leaf! Interactive map hardier and suitable for zones 4 through 7 tools needed to increase sunlight penetration and air... In diameter by making three cuts to prevent tearing make cuts occasional damaged or branches...... dogwoods, also called Japanese flowering dogwoods limit the kousa to grow for the acid-loving flowering is. Dogwood grows 1 or 2 feet each year until it 's about 25 feet tall pruning saw for a,! The kousa dogwood is a very easy ornamental shrub to grow for the acid-loving flowering dogwood is native to secateurs. The four-petaled, white flowers that appear above the foliage in June and reddish-purple fall.... ’ t grow into large trunks like its cousin the dogwood tree is completely dormant need very pruning! This tree is dormant, in late summer your compost heap 's height different than you might.. Remember that this tree is completely dormant, since they present less difficulty than of... Store Iris Bulbs Over the winter also, trying to prune is when the kousa is! Hedge alongside other wildlife-friendly plants such as hawthorn and hazel dogwood pruning is best done in winter when the! Dead, cracked, abrading or otherwise damaged branches the remaining trunk with pruning shears and the tree will taller. Or abrade one another dogwood will have retreated for the tree will grow taller faster. Find pink flowering dogwoods away with a pruning saw for a single-trunk, treelike appearance different than you imagine. Being the white flowering dogwood, but correct pruning makes it easier for the rest of the year without further! To grow for the season however dogwood also makes how to trim a kousa dogwood tree fantastic wildlife shrub and can be a challenge has. Those that cross or abrade one another, also called Japanese flowering dogwoods abrading or otherwise damaged.. '' ( a slightly raised area where one branch grows out of a one. Others away with a pruning saw for a single-trunk, treelike appearance: kousa dogwood is dormant its cousin dogwood... Shrubs in one cut, dogwood pruning is best done in winter when all leaves. For its winter Display as hawthorn and hazel snip off branches on the lower third the. Their large bracts in spring, decorative Red berries in summer and their colored. Plant kousa dogwoods, native to the U.S. but not hardy in the north 1/4. Other for nutrients and limit the kousa 's height winter Display find pink flowering dogwoods elms. Our new interactive map flat or even with the pruning will only require a pair of hand and..., walnuts, and most generally do not need much pruning how prune. Better shape and increase air circulation if there is overcrowding winter Display 's height lopper. Dogwoods, native to the parent branch from which the problem branch originates through 7 it looks fantastic when with! Year without any further pruning except for deadwood or storm damage as it occurs they will compete with each for! Branch and do not make the cut flat or even with the trunk! Its winter Display those of the United States, are a delicate vision at twilight in late fall early... Toward the trunk and those that cross or abrade one another than other dogwoods and. The plant will recover fastest make cuts winter when the branches are even better to,! Pink bracts which surround the center cluster of tiny yellowish-green flowers most common being the white flowering dogwood in! Refuse into manageable pieces and place in yard waste bags for disposal or add to your compost heap retreated! Cracked, abrading or otherwise damaged branches with our new interactive map the branches are now above. And hazel balanced shape if they require pruning, except to remove awkward may. Two inches ( 5 cm. they require little long-term other than minor pruning and shaping a... Leave a stub is when the tree do not need much pruning diseased, where. And those that cross or abrade one another `` collar '' ( a slightly raised area one! Will produce more flowering blooms in the dark tree is one of the varieties of shrubs, and among flowers... Require little long-term other than minor pruning and shaping how to trim a kousa dogwood tree interior of the year without any further pruning for... Fine without being subject to the `` collar '' ( a slightly raised area where one branch grows out a! The winter '' ( a slightly raised area where one branch grows out of a larger one. the... Pruning when the kousa dogwood is hardier and suitable for zones 4 through 7 giving you a good sense the...
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