Gardening with Gary

Gardening Advice from an Expert

Dogwood Trees

Sharon writes~ I have a question about a dogwood tree in our front yard. It is about 8 yrs old. My husband would like to move it to our backyard now. But I am afraid that it would not survive. It hasn't grown a great deal, it would be about 4' tall or so. Is it possible to take a cutting and root it somehow. It is a tree that we planted in memory of our son, so I really would hate to lose it. We live in Canada and have a fairly arid climate, hot in summer and cold in winter.

A. Transplanting is always a shock to a tree especially if it is already in leaf. If the tree has been in shade, the shock of transplanting and putting into sun, particularly hot, dry sun, can take a toll. Shade the trees with landscape cloth on stakes or some other means to help ease into the new sunnier location. The tree should be planted at the same level as previously planted. Apply bark mulch on top of the soil in a circle about 1.5' in diameter will cut down on water transpiration and keep the top roots cooler. It should be the composted kind not freshly chipped bark. Fresh bark chips will rob the soil of nitrogen. Be sure to keep the bark mulch a 3-4" away from the tree trunk to deter insects such as borers from using it as a place to nest and gain access to your tree and be sure to keep it watered. Yellowing leaves can be a sign of overwatering. The best way to avoid overwatering is with good drainage. The water should not run through quickly nor sit in a puddle. Dogwoods, especially Cornus florida, are susceptible to anthracnose. Cool, damp conditions help spread the disease. Stop using fertilizers for now, especially those high in nitrogen, because they will encourage the tree to put out new green growth. If you have a damaged or reduced root system, the tree does not need more leaves to support. Commercial products that aid in transplantation by encouraging root growth rather than top growth are available. Try Miracle-Gro Quick Start or other companies with similar products as well as organic products. Call your local garden center, nursery or cooperative extension service to see what they recommend. If you began with good soil with plenty of organic material in it, that should be sufficient for now without supplemental fertilizers.

Assistance by Michigan State University Extension Service. J. B. McGowan.