Avoid cutting large branches when possible.

Jun 25, While a flowering dogwood tree is reliable in producing blooms each year, it should still be pruned. Pruning dogwood trees will produce more flowering blooms in the following year, giving you a fuller and healthier tree in good shape.

Always completely remove dead or diseased limbs. If the limb is larger than 2″ diameter, you will need to make the first cut on the underside, around 6″ from the trunk Estimated Reading Time: 10 mins. Pruning Tips: Dogwood Trees Ilike the entire genus of dogw,ods(Cornus). There is a reason the old favorites are old favorites-they're nice. The dogwood trees (as opposed to the dogwood shrubs and ever-so-cute but hard-to-grow dogwood groundcover) have nice flowers, and fall color.

Many have berries and some have an elegant winter branch pattern. Structural Pruning of Young Trees Bruce R. Fraedrich, Ph.D. Most structural defects that occur in older trees can be prevented by pruning when the tree is young.

This practice can avoid the need for more expensive tree care practices later in the life of the plant and can extend the lifespan of the tree. Jul 12, Pruning is an added stress when trees are already under heat and drought stress. Always cut back to branch joints, one by one with hand-pruners, loppers.

Jun 14, Ridding your tree of rival branches is called structural or subordinate pruning. The goal is to encourage the tree’s leader to grow by trimming competing branches.

Pruning for better air circulation may help.

Training your young tree to grow the right way is simple and quick. Plus, this small step can often prevent expensive or damaging structural corrections later. Mar 24, Pruning for better air circulation may help. Pruning of dogwoods can be done in late fall/early winter (November-December) or after the trees are finished flowering in the spring.

If disease symptoms are severe, especially on young trees, spraying a fungicide labeled for this disease on dogwood is an option.

These are called suckers, and they require removal as they are taking away energy from the tree that could be going to other parts of the tree.

Sep 21, Prune when the kousa dogwood is dormant, in late fall or early winter. Think of the kousa dogwood in thirds. Snip off branches on the lower third of the remaining trunk with pruning shears and the tree will grow taller, faster.

Allow the kousa to grow for the rest of the year without any further pruning except for deadwood or storm damage as it. Pruning them about six weeks before the leaves drop from the tree also tends to be best practice. Furthermore, remember to prune trunk sprouts as well during the fall season. Please note that if you do end up pruning your trees during late winter, flowering dogwood trees may bleed sap. This is why pruning them before this time is ideal. May 24, However, if you do choose to fertilize young dogwoods, use only a small amount of slow-release fertilizer.

Dogwood trees seldom need pruning, however, it may be necessary to remove dead or injured branches, suckers, and diseased or insect-infested parts on occasion.

Shaping trees may also help keep them more attractive looking. Cornus sericea - Red Twig Dogwood - Zone 2; 7'-9'H x 10'W. A shrub form with distinct red twig color. Very effective for winter interest and adaptable to wet conditions. Prune oldest canes each year for best twig color. Good for naturalizing, stabilizing embankments or mass plantings.