Kousa Dogwood Care Tips For Growing Kousa Dogwood Trees

Kousa Dogwoods like full sun to part shade and soil that is well-drained, acidic, and nutrient rich. Once established, dogwood trees are drought tolerant. In extended dry and hot periods this tree will benefit from a weekly deep watering. Fertilize your dogwood tree in early spring for best performance.

How do you take care of a kousa dogwood tree?

Kousa dogwood trees aren't very drought-tolerant, so make sure to keep the soil moist throughout the summer, especially in the first three years when the tree is establishing itself. Add a circle of organic mulch about 3 feet (1 m.) wide around the base of the tree to help retain moisture to the roots.

When should I fertilize my Kousa dogwood?

The best time to fertilize the kousa dogwood is from April or May, just as new leaves emerge, until early fall. If you've just planted a kousa dogwood, fertilize it in early spring and again in midsummer. Spread the fertilizer evenly on the soil surface, up to 2 feet from the trunk.

Is kousa dogwood fast growing?

This tree grows at a slow to medium rate, with height increases of anywhere from less than 12" to 24" per year.

How do you trim a kousa dogwood?

Prune when the kousa dogwood is dormant, in late fall or early winter. Think of the kousa dogwood in thirds. Snip off branches on the lower third of the remaining trunk with pruning shears and the tree will grow taller, faster.

Can you keep a kousa dogwood small?

A: This isn't a huge species, but without any pruning, Kousa dogwoods can grow 25 feet tall and wide. You can keep it smaller with annual pruning. ... Pruning is an added stress when trees are already under heat and drought stress. Always cut back to branch joints, one by one with hand-pruners, loppers and saws.

What can I plant around a kousa dogwood?

Choose woodland-origin, shallow-rooted spring-blooming perennials, like cranesbill (Geranium maculatum), sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum), dead nettle (Lamium maculatum) and astilbe (Astilbe x arendsii), rather than more aggressive woody shrubs to add more flowers when your dogwood is in bloom.

Do dogwoods like coffee grounds?

Here are a few trees that like coffee grounds: Flowering dogwood trees. Magnolia trees. Willow oaks.

Is Epsom salt good for dogwood trees?

fantastic results the following spring.

How long does it take for a kousa dogwood to grow?

Dogwoods require five to seven years to mature before blossoming. Among the factors that may affect flowering are excessive shade, lack of water and improper pruning.

What are the worst trees to plant?

Trees known for their rather undesirable qualities, and why you should steer clear of them.

Cottonwood. One of the trees you should avoid having in your backyard is certainly cottonwood. ...
Bradford Pear. ...
Mimosa Tree. ...
Mulberry Tree. ...
Chinese Tallow. ...
Norway Maple. ...
Eucalyptus. ...
Quaking Aspen.

Do Kousa dogwoods bloom every year?

Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) and kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa) produce flowers in the springtime only. Pacific dogwood (Cornus nuttallii) also blooms in the springtime but sometimes produces a second flush of bloom in the fall. Young dogwood trees need time to become established before they bloom reliably.

How far away from the house should you plant a dogwood tree?

Locating small trees

Medium-sized trees can be planted 15 feet from the house and generally 35 or more feet apart. Small trees, such as the flowering dogwood, may be planted as close as 6 feet from the house and about 20 feet apart.

Is my Kousa dogwood dying?

Kousa dogwood trees are susceptible to scorch, particularly during windy periods when the weather is warm and dry. Also referred to as sunburn, plants may appear to be diseased or dying when affected by scorch. ... In addition to the heat, high winds contribute to scorch, as frequent gusts damage dry foliage and bark.

Why is my Kousa dogwood not blooming?

Among the factors that may affect flowering are excessive shade, lack of water and improper pruning. Dogwoods prefer full sun, or morning sun with dappled afternoon shade in Mediterranean climates. The kousa dogwood also requires a consistently moist soil; it is not resistant to drought.

Is it bad to cut down a dogwood tree?

The wounds created by pruning cuts provide an entry point for these devastating insects. In addition, if pruned while the tree is actively growing in spring and summer, the wounds bleed copious amounts of messy sap. Therefore, the best time to prune a dogwood tree is in late fall and winter while the tree is dormant.

Are kousa dogwood trees messy?

Fruiting kousa dogwood can add some fall interest to the landscape. Once kousa dogwood fruit falls to the ground, it can create a mess as it is walked upon and/or rots.

How long does it take for a dogwood to grow?

Growth Rate: Dogwoods grow at a slow to moderate rate (about 20 feet in 25 years). Ornamental Features: Each species brings its own value to the landscape. The “flowers” of the flowering dogwood and kousa dogwood are not actually flowers, but bracts, which are modified leaves that look like petals.

How many years does it take for a dogwood to bloom?

Dogwoods often take five to seven years before they begin to bloom in earnest. The good news is that if it takes a while to bloom, it's because the plant is happy and healthy rather than because it's under stress, and should keep blooming away for years to come.

Where is the best place to plant a dogwood tree?

Selecting where to plant your dogwood: Choose a site for your dogwoods that is well-drained but does not get extremely dry. Soil high in organic matter is best. Dogwoods can be planted in full sun or partial shade, though partial shade is best (morning sun in particular).

What is the best time to plant dogwood trees?

Planting Dogwood Care

Bare root and burlap dogwood trees should be transplanted in late fall or early spring. Container grown trees can be transplanted anytime of the year, provided they are watered regularly after planting. A dogwood should be planted about two-thirds the depth of its root ball.

How much sun does a kousa dogwood need?

Hardiness: Kousa dogwoods are hardy to zone 5. Light: Full sun to partial shade. Soil: Kousa dogwoods do best in well-draining, moist rich soil that's not too heavy. Water: Average water needs, but will require irrigation during a drought, especially if planted in full sun.