05
May
Category:
Trees 
Author: admin
Red Flowering Dogwood Tree
We have a question from TILLER asking ‘what is the secret to having a good dogwood tree?” Well, it just so happens that we have a new one that needs to be planted so I’m going to run down the the game plan for transplanting it and then we’ll see how things turn out. The first thing we need to decide is WHERE to plant it. Dogwoods like good sunlight. Some shade is OK. The soil should be slightly acidic so pretty much the same type of conditions that you would use for azaleas. We’re going to pick a place in the yard that will not obstruct mowing too much and where a lot of pine needles will fall to maintain the slightly acidic soil conditions.
Dogwood Tree Tag Instructions
Here is the planting guide that is on the reverse of the tree tag. We’re going to follow this guide for the most part, but as you will see, there ae some things that are not spelled out specifically on the planting guide, so I’ll fill in the gaps for you.
Step 1 – Measure the root ball. To do this we need to carefully move the tree by its base, NOT THE TRUNK next to where we will be transplanting it then lay it on its side and remove the plastic planter container to expose the burlap covered root ball. We’ll then measure the height and width of the root ball to let us know the dimensions of the hole we need to dig. I’m going to make the hole about 6 inches wider than the width of the root ball and dig it just deep enough so that the top of the root ball stands slightly above grade. Dogwoods have a shallow root system and planting them too deeply will have a detrimental effect.They need to stand tall and proud.
Step 2 – Dig the hole. I find it helpful to lay out a tarp to throw the dirt onto to make the back fill job easier. Once we have the hole dug, the only ‘secret’ is to make sure that the soil (or RED CLAY in our case here in Houston) is loosened up a bit before putting the tree in place. This is easier said than done. I’m going to water the base enough to soften up the clay then work it a bit with a gardening trowel.
Step 3 – Place the tree in the hole. Move the tree by base into the hole keeping the burlap covering for the root ball in tact. Never handle the tree by the trunk for a couple of reasons…dogwood is a relatively soft wood especially in the earlier stages of development and also the weight of the root ball if unsupported would likely tear or even break off from the tree.
Step 4 – Fill in the hole. We’re going to mix about 1/3 peat moss in with the dirt before we back fill the hole. Went back filling, we will compact the soil as it goes in to remove air pockets. Once the hole is about 1/2 full you should have enough support on all sides in order to finely position the tree to its final orientation. Give it an eyeball from every angle to make sure it is standing straight.
Step 5 – Secret Step for Success. Even though the planting guide on the tree tag says to plant the tree with the burlap root ball covering in tact, we are going to change that up a bit. When the hole is about 2/3 filled we are going to cut off the burlap from the top 1/3 of the root ball. This will allow the most shallow roots to expand horizontally and the sooner they can do that the better your chance of success.
Step 6 – Construct a border around the base of the tree. You can do this with the soil that is left over after the back fill is complete, or I prefer to use a plastic border that can be shaped to the perimeter of the hole which helps to keep water an and external growth out. This is good for the first couple of years, but you will want to remove it before it starts to interfere with the horizontal root growth.
Step 7 – Stake the tree. I prefer to use REBAR for staking trees. Three pieces of rebar, some wire and some rubber supports all of which you can pick up from you local gardening store or right here is you choose. Their recommendation is to keep the support in place for the first 2 years.
Step 8 – Mulch and Water. We’ll lay down a layer of pine needles followed by a good organic hard wood bark mulch that will retain water. Give it a good deep soaking and then be sure that the mulch stays moist especially for the first summer. The use of a root stimulator is a matter of debate. Some say that if you use it that the tree become dependent on it and never really hardens as you want it to. If you do decide to use it, then make sure it is the more expensive organic stimulator.
Red Flowering Dogwood Tree Tag Picture
With any kind of luck this is what it will look like a few years down the road. Thanks for your question TILLER. If you have a dogwood that is already established and you are looking for care and maintenance tips, then we’ll get that on another post in the near future. GOOD LUCK & Happy CINCO DE MAYO.
Tags: cornejo, cornejo florido rojo, dogwood, dogwood tree, dogwood trees, planting dogwoods, planting trees in houston, planting trees in texas, red flowering dogwood
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