Ann

Remember most people who ask questions about pruning, do not understand
targets as well as dose.
As a rule of thumb, for the beginners, this book is a must to understand
targets.
http://www.treedictionary.com/DICT2003/TPRUNING.html

Then to understand tree care treatments:
http://www.treedictionary.com/DICT2003/MARBOR.html

A professional understands, dose, timing and targets. You will find
excellent articles on trees he
http://www.treedictionary.com/DICT2003/shigo/index.html

I would also think that the N. Maple is encroaching the kousa.

Sincerely,

John A. Keslick, Jr.
Beware of so-called TREE EXPERTS who do not understand TREE BIOLOGY!
www.treedictionary.com

http://mercury.ccil.org/~treeman/
Storms, fires, floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions keep reminding us
that we are not the boss.
Some people will buy products they do not understand and not buy books that
will give them understanding.
"Ann" wrote in message
...
"The Gallaghers" expounded:

Our kousa dogwood has become rather floppy topped - it is reaching for
more
sun. Transplanting is not an option. What about pruning back some
branches?

We live in SW Pennsylvania. Best time of year to do this?



Unlike some of the other answers you've received, I have no problem
purning my kousa right after it flowers. As a matter of fact I'm
going to prune mine in a week or so, it's infringing on the little
japanese maple planted next to it. I've removed branches that
overhang the driveway with no resultant issues with the tree, it's
well established, at least 25 years old, grown from seed from my
mother's plant. Prune away.
--
Ann, gardening in Zone 6a
South of Boston, Massachusetts
e-mail address is not checked
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