The Dogwood is most commonly found growing under the canopy of larger trees of the forest, in a well drained and fertile soil.  Following are some tips for planting that will help you create a favorable atmosphere for your Dogwood tree.

PLANTING PROCEDURE

1. Plant the tree in a site that will be shaded from the hot afternoon sun.       

2. Never plant in a wet area.

3. Dig the hole 1½ to 2 times wider than the root ball.

4. Use a loose organic soil...

-50% organic material (½ sphagnum peat moss and ½ well rotted manure or compost)

-50% existing soil

5. When placing the tree in the hole be sure the top of the ball is approximately 1 to 3 inches higher than the existing lawn surface.

6. Add a couple inches of soil to the hole and straighten the tree.  Leave the burlap on the ball: it will decompose.  Cut and remove any twine that is wrapped around the trunk.  Continue to fill with prepared soil  (cover the top of the ball with no more than 1 inch of soil - see diagram).  Form a "saucer-like" basin around the perimeter of the hole - this will hold water.

7. Water the plant slowly and thoroughly!!  (Rule-of-Thumb:  for every foot of plant height, allow the water to trickle on the root ball for 6 minutes).  Water every 7 to 10 days the first growing season.  Use "Fertilome" Root Stimulator at the time of planting and then every other watering.  The root stimulator contains a rooting hormone, fertilizer and a soil penetrant, all of which aid in reducing transplant shock.  Remember, dogwoods like a moist well-drained soil, but cannot tolerate soggy wet soil.

8. Mulch the soil with pine needles, or oak bark, or leaves.  Apply mulch 2 to 3 inches deep.  Mulching keeps the soil moist near the surface, where dogwood roots are most active.