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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.
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