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?

In article uuAmg.5460$x6.1711@trndny05,
"The Gallaghers" wrote:

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?

Dogwoods do not like to be pruned as I recall. I take out dead wood
only.

Bill

--
S Jersey USA Zone 5 Shade
This article is posted under fair use rules in accordance with
Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, and is strictly for the educational
and informative purposes. This material is distributed without profit.

mine does too, but it is a growing, gangling teenager right now, I expect as it hits
its expected height it will begin to put on more weight in the main trunk. after the
flush of spring growth it does seem to straighten up a bit. INgrid

"The Gallaghers" wrote:

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?





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Zone 5 next to Lake Michigan

This is a good question. I would recommend reviewing this book:
http://www.treedictionary.com/DICT2003/TPRUNING.html
If you library does not have it, ask them to order it.

Also, it sounds like you would be better starting with a healthy tree.
For correct planting and care instructions I STRONGLY "SUGGEST" this book.
http://www.treedictionary.com/DICT2003/MARBOR.html

here are some web sites that may also help you.

1. Techno Tree Biology Dictionary
http://www.treedictionary.com . Look up "logging".

2. Articles written by DR. ALEX L. SHIGO, one of the foremost authorities
worldwide on tree systems today online at
http://www.treedictionary.com/DICT2003/shigo/index.html

3. Literature Available by Dr. Shigo is he
http://www.treedictionary.com/DICT2003/treeinfo.html

4. Hard to get Documents
http://www.treedictionary.com/DICT20...get/index.html


If you have any suggestions please let me know. 610-864-5251

John A. Keslick, Jr.
Tree Biologist
http://mercury.ccil.org/~treeman/
Beware of so-called TREE EXPERTS who do not understand TREE BIOLOGY!
Storms, fires, floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions keep reminding us
that we are not the boss.


"The Gallaghers" wrote in message
news:uuAmg.5460$x6.1711@trndny05...
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?

"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
******************************

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
******************************

"John A. Keslick, Jr." expounded:

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

How could a three foot tall japanese maple encroach on a 25 foot tall
kousa?
--
Ann, gardening in Zone 6a
South of Boston, Massachusetts
e-mail address is not checked
******************************

Kousas do fine when you prune them. We trim ours occasionally during
the winter.


Ann wrote:
"John A. Keslick, Jr." expounded:

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

How could a three foot tall japanese maple encroach on a 25 foot tall
kousa?
--
Ann, gardening in Zone 6a
South of Boston, Massachusetts
e-mail address is not checked
******************************

Ann

My mistake. I thought it was a Norway maple.


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
...
"John A. Keslick, Jr." expounded:

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

How could a three foot tall japanese maple encroach on a 25 foot tall
kousa?
--
Ann, gardening in Zone 6a
South of Boston, Massachusetts
e-mail address is not checked
******************************