The flowering dogwood tree is a perennial tree with beautiful flowers that bloom in pink, red, and white, depending on the tree.It's native to the eastern part of North America.The tree grows best in the American south, even though it can be grown all over the United States and some parts of Mexico.Adding beauty to your preferred location with the right preparation, planting, and care is possible with this ornamental tree.
Step 1: Obtain disease-free nursery stock.
You should never transport a dogwood from the wild.There are pests and diseases in trees imported from the wild.
Step 2: The seedling should be checked for damage.
You can start with seeds or a bare root plant.If you're starting with a seedling, make sure the soil has enough water around the roots.Failing or dying trees can be prevented by checking for damage and lesions.Young trees that are packaged without soil are called bare- root.This helps easy planting and adaptation to the soil.If you want to check for damage, look for straight trunks and leaves with no yellow or brown spots.
Step 3: In the fall, collect seeds from mature trees.
If you choose to plant seeds instead of seedlings, you need to pick them when they are mature.The seeds will be ready for harvest in the fall.Don't remove from the ground.Straight from the tree, remove them.Wait another couple of weeks if they don't come off easily.Allow them to sit for a week or two.The seeds should be soaked in a pail of water for a couple of days.The bucket should be filled with water.The seeds will sink to the bottom of the pail.Store the seeds in a dry place.
Step 4: In the spring, plant the seed or seedlings.
The best time to plant a tree is in the spring.The ground is moist in the spring.
Step 5: There is a planting position with shade.
The tree needs some shade.They need protection from the taller trees that are around them because they grow as understory trees.It's a good position for the tree to be in the south and north.The more shade, the better the growth.The trees in the sun produce more flowers than bushes.Make sure that you have enough space for your dogwood tree to grow.They can grow up to 30 feet tall.
Step 6: The seeds can be grown in moist, rich, and well-drained soil.
It's important to choose a location that won't waterlog because root rot is a common problem with dogwood.Dogwoods grow best in acidic soil.You can test the soil's acidity in a number of ways.Adding sulfur and ferrous sulfate can help raise your soil's acidity.The water enters at a medium rate if the soil is well-drained.It is between draining and running off.You can fill the hole with water by digging a hole that is 18 inches deep.Fast drainage can be achieved within 10 minutes.Slow drainage means that it takes an hour to drain.
Step 7: Before planting a seedling, cut off damaged roots.
Attach a sharp knife to the damaged roots.The roots should be allowed to soak for 3 to 4 hours.If you buy your roots from a nursery, they should be healthy, but some may become damaged before planting.There are roots that need to be cut.
Step 8: Put the seeds over the soil.
Put 14” of soil over the seeds.
Step 9: To plant a seedling, dig a hole that is at least three times the diameter of the root ball.
The roots have enough space to grow.If you dig deep enough, the ball will protrude from the hole.Roots should be pointing straight down.
Step 10: Take the soil you dug out and fill the hole.
It should be filled with both subsoil and topsoil.Place the soil around the ball.Don't cover the top part of the ball.
Step 11: A layer of mulch can help conserve water.
It is recommended that there be three or four inches of mulch.It's important to keep the mulch at least a couple of inches from the trunk.It's good to suppress weeds with pine straw mulch.This type of mulch is good for plants that thrive in acidic soil.Hay mulch is very inexpensive.Plants respond well to hay mulch.
Step 12: The tree is young.
Don't water log.Dogwood is susceptible to having wet roots.It is recommended to water to a depth of six inches.
Step 13: Next to your seeds, place a wooden or metal stake.
This makes it impossible for a lawn mower to damage your tree.If you planted a tree in an area with a lot of rodents, you should put a wire-mesh guard around it.
Step 14: Irrigate your tree often.
Regular irrigation is required for trees in full sun.Once established, those in partial or full shade will have their own water.
Step 15: Prune.
If caught early, the dieback can be stopped.These trees don't need to be trimmed often, but they should be checked for anything that could promote disease.Pruning in late winter is important.Remove all dead limbs and twigs.Rake fallen leaves.Thin the canopy and remove crowding vegetation.Air circulation will be promoted by this.
Step 16: Every year, replenish mulch.
The mulch should be spread 10 feet from the trunk.The trunk should be left 3 inches around the base.
Step 17: The soil should not be fertilized unless it is deficient in vitamins and minerals.
Use an all-purposefertilizer if necessary.Every inch of the trunk's diameter requires one cup of fertilization.Don't put too much around the trunk if you want to spread thefertilizer around.
Step 18: Avoid damage to your tree by protecting it.
Your tree won't need pesticides or pest control.The Dogwood borer is the most common pest.It's possible to protect your tree by avoiding nicking the bark.