The dogwood tree, (Cornus florida) is a cross between a shrub and a small tree. It is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 5 through 9. The flowers are yellowish-green followed by small red berries that the birds love to eat. This tree can grow to heights of 30 feet tall with an equal or greater spread. When autumn rolls around, the leaves are a showcase of color with their reds and reddish-purple hues.
You can find dogwood trees for sale at most garden stores, in gardening catalogues or online, but they are often expensive and root-bound. It is important to note that when digging a dogwood tree out of its natural habitat, plan on it taking at least a year before you can transplant it into your yard. You can often find dogwood trees growing in the shade in woodland areas. If the land is not yours, please ask permission before digging up the tree.
Find a small, young dogwood tree. The diameter of the trunk should be 1-inch or less for a more successful transplant. Mark the tree with a ribbon so you can find the tree during the wintertime.
When the tree goes dormant and the leaves have fallen off, root-prune the dogwood tree. Insert your spade into the ground 6 to 12 inches away from the trunk. Just push the spade straight down into the soil. Do this all the way around the tree in a complete circle. Do not try to pry the tree from the soil.
Wait one year. The reason for doing this is to allow feeder roots to form. This provides your tree with a better start at growing when transplanted in its new location.
Prepare the Planting Hole
When looking for the right location to plant this tree, look for an area in your yard that has the same amount of light as where the dogwood is originally growing. Many people make the mistake of planting their tree in full sun. Don’t do that. Instead find a shady location.
Dig the planting hole twice as wide as the rootball. The depth the same as the rootball. Scuff up the sides and bottom of the hole with your spade or shovel. This allows the roots to penetrate beyond the walls you dug. Amend the removed soil with equal amounts of compost.
Digging up the Tree
Now you are ready to get your tree. Before you go to dig up the tree, take along a tarp or a garbage bag to wrap around the roots. Also, take a bucket or box to help you carry your tree easier.
Where you made the root-prune dig, use this to dig the dogwood out of the ground with a spade. Try to keep as much of the soil intact as you can, to reduce stress to the tree. Wrap the rootball in the tarp, garbage bag, or piece of plastic and place it in the bucket or box.
Transplanting the Tree
Immediately plant the dogwood tree into the prepared location as soon as you get home. Check the depth of the hole by putting the wrapped rootball in the hole. The top of the rootball should be level with the surrounding soil. If it is not, adjust the depth of the hole.
Carefully remove the tarp or trash bag from the rootball and center it in the hole. Check to make sure the tree is standing straight. When you are satisfied, back fill the hole with the amended soil. Gently tamp the soil with your hands to remove air pockets. When the hole is filled to the halfway mark, water the soil. Finish filling around the rootball with the soil.
Watering
Turn the water pressure to a slow flow and water the tree thoroughly. Place a 3-inch layer of mulch around the tree, but keep 2 inches away from the bark of the tree. If you place the mulch against the bark, you are inviting disease and insect damage.
Through the growing season, water the tree to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy.
