Dogwood trees do not usually need much pruning. Even without manually shaping the tree, a dogwood will usually maintain a nice shape. Manual shaping can be done if desired, though. Do your primary pruning—the removal of branches—during the dormant season and your secondary pruning—cutting done to spur new growth—during the active growing season.Prune dogwood branches in late winter or early spring, when the tree is dormant and not actively growing.Cut off dead wood, or branches that are discolored or affected by rot or disease. Also clip off old, twiggy stems, and thin out crowded areas of branches.Snip away flower buds on the tip of the branch to redirect energy to growing other, more plentiful buds elsewhere on the branch.See full list on wikihow.comRemove branches during the winter or early spring.The dogwood should still be in a dormant state when you remove branches. Sawing or otherwise removing branches during the late spring or summer, after the tree begins to actively grow, can create fresh, appealing entry spots for insects that like to bore into the wood of the tree.Wood that is dying or dead will do nothing good for your tree. In fact, leaving it on the tree may actually cause problems. Deadwood is more likely to grow mold or other fungi, which can then spread to healthy parts of the dogwood.Cut off diseased or insect-infested branches.Like dead branches, diseased branches will only invite further infection to the rest of your dogwood. When cutting off noticeably diseased branches, you should dip the shears or saw into a solution made of one part bleach and three parts water to sterilize them. Otherwise, you may accidentally spread the disease to other parts of the tree.Prune away old, twiggy stems.See full list on wikihow.comSnip away the flower buds.Cut off the buds at the tip of each branch to redirect energy to buds on the side of the branch. By removing a singe bud, you encourage the development of multiple buds, leading to a fuller setting of flowers. These buds can either be snipped off with shears or pinched off by hand.Prune your dogwood to encourage flowering in early summer.June is generally considered the best month for this type of pruning, but any time in the early summer will work. You should not snip buds off during the dormant season since doing so will cut the flowers off before they have the chance to open, rather than simply redirecting the energy. Do not wait too late into the summer, though, because doing so will not allow the buds to build up enough energy for new shoots and buds for the next year.How do I prune a dogwood tree that has grown to 18 feet tall and has very few branches that spread out?If you are attempting to create a fuller canopy, you can prune the main leader branch back to encourage more growth in the lower, more horizontal branches. Pruning with ladders can be very dangerous, so a polesaw is recommended. If it is too tall to be reached comfortably or safely, an arborist can be hired to do the work for you.See full list on wikihow.comMay 2, 2025 · Dogwoodtrees are well-behaved species but still need some tidying. Learn how to prunedogwoodtrees, when and why with this expert-approved guide. Before you start pruning your dogwoodtree, it’s important to understand some pruning basics. This includes knowing the best time to prune, the tools you’ll need, and how to make proper pruning cuts. · Prunedogwood in late winter or early spring (February or March), before the plants have started into leaf. Much of the work can be carried out with a pair of good, sharp secateurs, because stems are relatively thin. View allJun 15, 2023 · To prune dead branches or make cuts to the dogwoodtree, you will need a good pair of pruners. These tools will cut through the deadwood as well as make cuts in the piece that needs rejuvenating. Like many flowering trees and shrubs, the best time to prune a dogwoodtree is when the tree is dormant. · Pruningdogwoodtrees is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. During this time, your tree is dormant, making it the ideal period to get your hands dirty without harming it. · Dogwoodtrees are well-behaved species but still need some tidying. Learn how to prunedogwoodtrees, when and why with this expert-approved guide. Before you start pruning your dogwoodtree, it’s important to understand some pruning basics. This includes knowing the best time to prune, the tools you’ll need, and how to make proper pruning cuts. · Prunedogwood in late winter or early spring (February or March), before the plants have started into leaf. Much of the work can be carried out with a pair of good, sharp secateurs, because stems are relatively thin. · To prune dead branches or make cuts to the dogwoodtree, you will need a good pair of pruners. These tools will cut through the deadwood as well as make cuts in the piece that needs rejuvenating. Like many flowering trees and shrubs, the best time to prune a dogwoodtree is when the tree is dormant. · Pruningdogwoodtrees is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. During this time, your tree is dormant, making it the ideal period to get your hands dirty without harming it. · Prune large branches, 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter or larger, using three cuts. On the first cut, only cut through a third of the way through the branch. Your second cut should be made about an inch (2.5 cm) behind the first cut. This second cut should slice completely through to remove the branch.
