How to Plant Dogwood Trees Together
Flowering dogwood trees are a common sight across much of the United States. The many species of trees produce blooms of many colors, including white, pink and red. Some varieties even have colored bark, adding to their eye-catching appeal. If you are planting multiple dogwood trees in your yard, proper spacing is important. If the trees are planted too close to one another, the root systems may suffer, causing the trees not to get sufficient nutrients.
Choose a site for planting your dogwood trees. They grow best in full sun or light shade. Avoid areas of heavy shade, however, because the trees may not thrive in these conditions. Dogwoods also prefer a slightly acidic, well-draining soil. Optimal soil pH for dogwoods is 5.5, according to the North Carolina Cooperative Extension.
- Flowering dogwood trees are a common sight across much of the United States.
Dig a hole that is as deep as the tree's root structure and two to three times as wide. Plant dogwood trees at the same depth they were grown at the nursery, so be sure not to make the hole too deep.
Remove the tree from the container if you are transplanting container-grown trees, or remove the burlap from the root ball if it is covered. Be careful not to damage the tree's roots during this process.
Place the tree in the hole, setting it down gently but firmly. Allow the roots to spread naturally so they are not bent or damaged.
Fill the hole halfway with the surrounding soil, and pack it down firmly with your hands to remove air pockets.
- Dig a hole that is as deep as the tree's root structure and two to three times as wide.
- Plant dogwood trees at the same depth they were grown at the nursery, so be sure not to make the hole too deep.
Water the tree thoroughly, and allow all the water to be absorbed into the soil.
Fill in the rest of the hole with the surrounding soil, again packing it down firmly with your hands.
Water the tree again. Adequate water supply is important for dogwood trees during the first two growing seasons, according to the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. During this period, water the tree thoroughly once or twice a week during dry spells.
Dig another hole for the second tree. Dogwood trees should be spaced 6 feet to 20 feet apart, depending on their mature size, according to the National Gardening Association. Depending on the cultivar, dogwoods can be 20 feet to 40 feet tall when full grown. You can plant smaller cultivars closer together than the larger species.
- Water the tree thoroughly, and allow all the water to be absorbed into the soil.
- Dogwood trees should be spaced 6 feet to 20 feet apart, depending on their mature size, according to the National Gardening Association.
Repeat steps three through eight with remaining dogwood trees.
Tip
Dogwood trees grown in containers can be transplanted at any time. Bare-root trees and those that are covered with burlap should be transplanted during the dormant season, which runs from November to March.
Poor-quality soil can be improved by adding compost or other organic material and mixing it well with the existing soil.
Placing a 3-inch or 4-inch layer of mulch around your dogwood trees can help them conserve moisture and protect them from extreme temperatures. It can also help prevent weed growth.
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References
Tips
- Dogwood trees grown in containers can be transplanted at any time. Bare-root trees and those that are covered with burlap should be transplanted during the dormant season, which runs from November to March.
- Poor-quality soil can be improved by adding compost or other organic material and mixing it well with the existing soil.
- Placing a 3-inch or 4-inch layer of mulch around your dogwood trees can help them conserve moisture and protect them from extreme temperatures. It can also help prevent weed growth.
Writer Bio
Anna Aronson began working as a journalist in 2000 and spent six years at suburban Chicago newspapers before pursuing freelance work. She enjoys writing about health care topics, in particular obstetrics, pediatrics and nutrition. She received a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Eastern Illinois University and is now studying for a Master of Science in medicine degree to become a physician's assistant.
