What is the proper way to trim my white dogwood tree?
If you trim your Dogwood now (November) you should be aware that you will remove some of next spring’s blossoms. Trimming a Dogwood is similar to trimming other trees; remove the deadwood first, then remove the crossing or rubbing branches. If the overall size of the tree needs reduced, cut branches back to a good side branch growing outward. Cornus florida Do not trim Dogwoods in the spring while the dogwood borer is active, since you may attract this destructive insect. If you are spraying your Dogwood to protect it against the borer, an insecticide labeled for that use should be applied to the trunk and major branches in spring, usually May in the northeastern US. If your Dogwood already has borer damage, you will see “D” shaped exit holes in the trunk Dogwoods should be “sited” properly when they are first planted — they prefer partial shade as you can see from where they grow in nature — and are 3-times more likely to be affected by the borer if planted in full sun. In managed l
