Dogwood Tree
About two months ago I received a free dogwood tree from the city. And I planted the tree in the front yard of my house. I noticed on saturday morning that the leaves on the tree is dry and brittle so I ma worried that the tree may be dying which I would really like…
About two months ago I received a free dogwood tree from the city.
And I planted the tree in the front yard of my house.
I noticed on saturday morning that the leaves on the tree is dry and brittle so I ma worried that the tree may be dying which I would really like to keep the try alive. I wanted to know if anyone knew how to take care of dogwoods and I would be willing to pay if the person came by to take a look at the tree.
Thanks!!
@ ralfunky….
It is in my front yard which doesn’t not have grass or flowers
but I think the person putting in the tree placed the tree way too deep into the ground.
I am praying the tree will come around because it still has some life left.
I just finished a 3 session “Tree Tender” course in Philly and learned about all of the stresses that urban street trees can have. You mentioned that the tree is in your front yard. If your yard has grass, then you should keep the grass away from the tree since grass, shrubs and flowers compete for water. All trees should have mulch that extends from 6″ away from the trunk out to the drip line of the tree, or the length of the branches. “Mulch volcanos” are a big no-no since they actually send water away from the tree, keep oxygen from getting to the roots, and allow insects and bugs to infest the trunk. Also make sure the tree was not planted too deep (you should be able to see the transition between the trunk and the roots, or the “root collar”. And new trees shouldn’t be fertilized. Good luck!
make sure to water for a long time (lower flow so it doesn’t run off), so the roots get thoroughly soaked. It would be better to water 3x a week for an hour than every day for 20 minutes.
Thank you traditionalmod
Thank you all so much for the advise…
The tree does have mulch around the pit but I
will water everyday
@heavymetaledibles@gmail.com THANK YOU
I will be emailing you shortly!
Buy one of those plastic bag things that slowly soak water into the ground for a tree. The water needs to sink deep to the tree roots, not just cover the surface of the ground like the light sprinkling of rain lately has only provided. It’s sad because this hot dry month will kill a lot of new trees.
Here’s one:
http://www.amazon.com/Tree-Gator-98183-20-Gallon-Slow-Release/dp/B0006GT6C6
They’re right. Water, water, water! The Parks Department notice that came with the street tree they put on the side of our house came with a tag that said to water a minimum of 10 gallons per day.
I would take everyone’s mulching and watering advice before paying an arborist. It’s been so dry lately that I feel like I do nothing but water the new trees on my block!
I am in the process of starting a gardening consulting firm that’s mostly about edibles, and I live in Bed Stuy. If you want someone to look at it for free, just for your peace of mind, email me at heavymetaledibles@gmail.com and we can set a date.