White dogwoods (Cornus florida) are a beautiful sign that spring has arrived! These flowering ornamental trees perform well in a wide range of soil and climates in USDA growing from zones 5-8. They will grow in almost any soil type from clay to loamy and can tolerate moist or well draining soils. Slowly growing to a height of 20-30 feet tall and 20 feet wide, they bloom in the very early spring before most other spring trees, even when it can still seem winter like outside. These trees can grow in full sun, but prefer dappled shade. They’re great not only for the spring flower show, but also their red fall foliage and bright red winter berries that attract a host of wildlife.

Location: Choose a planting site for your dogwood that receives light or filtered shade. dogwood trees are highly adaptable to many soil types but they thrive in moist, fertile soils high in organic matter. The soil of your planting site should be well draining with a 5.5 soil pH level.

Planting Instructions:
1) Dig a planting hole for your dogwood that is three times the diameter of your tree’s root ball and of equal depth.
2) Remove your dogwood from its container and ensure good root moisture.
3) Place your tree in the planting hole, keeping the top of the root ball even with the ground.
4) Adjust your tree’s position/angle then use the original soil to back fill the planting hole.
5) Spread the roots out evenly and surround them with soil, tamping down lightly as you fill to avoid air pockets, which can dry out the roots of your tree.
6) Avoid firming the soil at this point, instead water the area immediately to settle the soil.
7) Mulch around the base of the tree to conserve soil moisture. This will also keep competing growth (grass and weeds) from growing around the planting site.

Watering: dogwood trees possess very shallow root systems that are susceptible to drying out in the absence of regular rainfall. It’s best to water your tree once or twice a week. Be sure to water correctly, light green leaves are a sign of over watering while drooping leaves signify both over and under watering. Watch for these and any other signs that your tree is getting too much or too little water.

Fertilization: dogwood trees do not require much fertilization. If you choose to fertilize, do so sparingly in April or May. Any general purpose fertilizer is suitable for this.

Weed Control: Do not permit weeds or grasses any closer than 2-3 feet from your dogwood in the first year. Pull the weeds initially, and then utilize a growing mat or mulch. Insulate the roots 2-4 inches and replenish as needed. Do not spray RoundUp on a young dogwood and ensure that wind doesn't blow chemical drift onto your tree.

Pests & Disease: The best defense against any pest or disease issue is a healthy tree. Good soil, proper feeding & healthy watering habits are vital to the prosperity of your tree.

Deer: If you believe that deer may become an issue for your dogwood, consider caging the tree(s). Although there is a whole host of deer deterrents available, nothing will guarantee protection like caging will.

Winter Dormancy: During late fall and winter, your dogwood will enter its dormant state. When this occurs, your tree’s leaves will fall off and the stem will turn brown. Above ground, nothing will take place during this time, but the roots of your tree will continue to grow beneath the surface. This winter root development will accelerate the growth of your tree come spring.