What do you know about planting Dogwood Trees?

Question

How close can I plant next to the old tree that now has died? How deep do I plant? When is the best time to plant?

Answer 1

Now is an excellent time to plant a Dogwood tree. Top growth should have ceased, but soil temperatures remain warm and are ideal for root development. This is exactly what a new transplanted tree needs - root development.

If your last tree died of a soil borne disease and your dogwood is susceptible to this same disease, then plant no closer than 40'. If not, plant as close as you can. If the old stump & roots have been removed, plant in the same location.

How deep should you plant? The root flare at the base of your young tree's trunk should be showing above the soil line when planted. You must remove the soil from the root ball or container if you do not see the root flare. You can not assume that the soil level of a container is at the proper depth either. Sometimes nurseries or garden centers will place a Balled & Burlap tree into a container. Always find the root flare first, then measure, dig and place the tree so the root flare is exposed. I see so many trees dying and diseased because they are planted too deep. This is a major cause for the gradual decline and death of landscape trees! It is always better to plant a little high than too low.

Finally, do NOT amend the soil as you backfill the hole. I have included the following web sites that explain proper planting and how to identify the root flare.

http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/hometips/treeplanting.html
http://www.kibi.org/programs/urban_forestry/ball_burlap_tree_planting.htm


Additional Details: Transplanted trees properly planted and watered should not wilt! Never fertilize newly transplanted trees; the fertilizer can burn the tender young roots. In fact, you should not fertilize a transplanted tree for the 1st year. I have personally planted over 500 trees professionally and in my own yards. I have tried the B vitamin root stimulants and find them to be mostly a waste of time & money. Transplant survival has more to do with proper handling during transportion & planting, proper planting technique and appropriate watering than with any magic root stimulant. Show me a newly transplanted tree that's struggling and I'll show you improper planting technique and/or a mishandled tree.
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Answer 2

If the old Dogwood did not die of disease, you can place the new one as close as you like. Spring or fall is the best time to plant any trees and shrubs, but I have had success with planting in the middle of summer as long as the tree receives plenty of water. When renovating over-grown gardens, I often remove the existing plant (roots and all if possible) and place them in the same spot after amending the soil.
Assuming that the new plant is container grown, plant it to the same depth as the soil level in the pot. If not check your plant and there should be an indication by colour change as to how deep the plant was planted before and plant to this level.
If you have never transplanted a tree before, do not be alarmed if it wilts and loses some leaves. This is common. I suggest using a special transplant fertilizer at the time of planting as this encourages new root growth and helps reduce transplant shock.

Answer 3

It depends how much root space the old tree is using, but you can get as close as you are able....that is as long as the old tree didn't die of disease.
Plant to the same depth as the one you buy in a pot from the nursery.
Plant when the ground is damp if possible. Add organic material and keep well watered for the first year....ie allow no long periods of dryness.
Can plant from a pot into the ground at any time....Autumn probably the best.

Answer 4

spring or early fall is good, next to a dead tree is okay and plant until the root ball or roots are coverd. water good, once a week until established., one other advice, don't plant dogwood babies near the road even if you think they are far enough away, those darn city mowers seem to know there are baby trees and let them have it.

I lost two to them.

RRRR

Answer 5

The stump from the old tree needs to be routed out, so it wont take away from your new tree roots trying to get established. I planted my new tree 4 feet away (did fine).

Answer 6

you'll think I've gone looney, but plant TWO.... one gets awful lonely by it'self..... really... dead serious here... that's info from the head gardener at our botanical garden.... and I believe it, cuz I had a single tree in my yard that just never did well at all and finally just up and died.... so, plant TWO at least.....