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Planting location matters a lot because it directly impacts tree growth and overall health in many ways. You must avoid planting your trees in a very dry or wet area, depending upon their species. If you want to know where to plant dogwood trees, this article is for you.
In this article, I will discuss the 11 best places to plant dogwood trees. If you choose the right planting location, you will decrease the likelihood of infestations & diseases.
You must choose a location that gets proper sunlight and shade. Let’s first understand what factor you must consider when choosing a planting location. Then I will tell you where to plant dogwood trees.
5 Factors To Consider When Choosing A Planting Location
Soil Type and pH Level
You should never plant a dogwood tree If your area’s soil is too alkaline. You’ll first need to treat and prepare the soil before planting dogwood trees. You should note that dogwood trees growing in alkaline soil will not be able to absorb essential nutrients like iron, which can lead to yellowing of the leaves.
They require well-draining soil that has a pH level between 5.2 and 6.0. If the soil pH is high, add sulfur to lower the pH. Vice-versa, you should add lime to increase the soil’s pH level.
To test the pH level of your soil, you can use a soil pH meter or a soil test kit that is easy to purchase from local garden stores or online. If the soil is too alkaline, add sulfur to lower the pH level. If the soil is too acidic, add lime to raise the pH level.
Sunlight & Shade Requirements
If you live in an area that experiences hot summers, provide your dogwood tree with some shade during the hottest part of the day. You can do this by planting it near taller trees or installing a shade cloth.
I like to install shade cloth. My dogwood trees are placed in an area with morning sun and afternoon shade. It would help if you did this, too, to help protect your tree from the hot afternoon sun, which may cause its leaves to wilt & burn.
Water Drainage
As I told you earlier, planting dogwood trees in well-drained soil prevents the roots from becoming waterlogged. If you keep the soil too wet, your plants & tree roots will start to suffocate, and the dogwood tree may die.
This is why I always prefer to plant dogwood trees in an area that is slightly elevated or on a slope. If your area’s soil is heavy & compacted, you should improve its drainage by adding organic matter like compost or peat moss.
Temperature & Climate
Dogwood trees are native to temperate regions that prefer cool to moderate temperatures. Even though dogwood trees can tolerate some heat, they shouldn’t be grown in areas with hot & humid climates.
If you live in an area with hot summers, you should provide adequate water during dry spells and proper shade during the hottest time of the day. I live In areas with cold winters, so I usually protect my trees from frost & freezing temperatures by mulching, covering, and maintenance.
Space & Landscape Design
It would help to consider the tree’s mature size & shape before planting it because dogwood trees can grow up to 30 feet tall & wide. It would help if you planted them in an area with enough space to accommodate their size.
You can use dogwood trees as specimens or as part of a landscape design. As part of a mixed border, I have planted flowering dogwood as a focal point in my garden and dogwood shrubs. Yes, dogwood trees also greatly add to woodland gardens and naturalized areas.
Where To Plant Dogwood Trees
When choosing a location to plant a dogwood tree, you should look for a spot protected from strong winds and receives morning sun with afternoon shade. Avoid planting in low-lying areas or areas with poor drainage, as dogwoods do not tolerate wet feet.
On the other hand, If you are planting multiple dogwood, you must space them at least 20 feet apart. Providing them with enough space for adequate root and canopy growth is important.
Also, you should avoid planting dogwood near buildings or other structures because their shallow root systems can cause damage to foundations. Let’s quickly look at the 11 best places to plant dogwood trees.
11 Best Place To Plant Dogwood Trees
Front Yard
People who have front yards often use dogwood to add curb appeal to their homes. If you’re looking to add a touch of color and interest to your landscape, Dogwood trees can help enhance the beauty of your home.
If you’re planting a dogwood tree in your front yard, placing them in a partial shade spot is best, as these trees don’t like direct sunlight.
Did you know that planting a dogwood tree in your front yard can enhance your home’s appearance and increase its resale value? According to a study by the University of Missouri, dogwood trees can also increase the value of your home by up to 10-20%.
Backyard
If you have a spacious backyard, you must use a dogwood tree to create a focal point. Trust me with this. This will add interest to your outdoor space and provide shade, privacy, & beauty in your backyard.
When planting a dogwood tree in your backyard, choose a location away from high-traffic areas to attract wildlife, beneficial insects, birds, and pollinators.
Woodland Garden
Few people like to show off their woodland garden, but that natural setting can seem complete with a dogwood specimen.
If you also have a woodland garden or plan to have one, consider planting a dogwood tree which helps in creating a natural-looking landscape. Plus, a study by the University of Georgia suggests that dogwood trees are one of the best trees for improving air quality.
Also Read: What Does A Dogwood Tree Look Like
Naturalized Area
Home and residential buildings with naturalized in their yard can consider planted dogwood trees also, which can add beauty and interest to this space.
If you want to create a wildflower meadow or woodland environment, plant a dogwood tree in a location that receives partial shade and is away from high-traffic areas.
If you like birdwatching, planting dogwood trees can give you many opportunities to do it. According to a study conducted by the USDA Forest Service, dogwood trees are one of the most healthy trees for wildlife.
Patio or Terrace
I also have a patio where I like to grow small varieties of dogwood trees in a container for some interest and beauty. If you have a terrace, you can do this too.
People often think that Dogwood trees are bad for container gardening, but this isn’t true. If you want to create a natural-looking landscape on your patio or terrace, consider planting a dogwood tree in a container.
According to a study by the American Society for Horticultural Science, dogwood trees are one of the best for container gardening.
Flower Bed
Dogwoods can be grown on a terrace or patio and planted over a flower bed to add height, texture, & color to your landscape design.
Dogwood trees are the perfect specimen for creating a focal point in a flower bed that only enhances your flowers’ beauty. Additionally, a dogwood tree in a flower bed will help stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.
According to a study by the University of Illinois, dogwood trees are among the best trees for reducing soil erosion.
Street Tree
People are not paying attention to what we can bring to our neighborhood. Planting a dogwood tree as a street tree is an excellent idea, especially If we want to add beauty to our neighborhood.
Since Dogwood trees are small to medium-sized trees, these are perfect for planting along the street and create a welcoming atmosphere.
In addition, a dogwood tree as a street tree can help reduce the risk of flooding while improving the water quality in our neighborhood. If you consider planting a dogwood tree as a street tree, make sure you choose a spot away from utility lines & streetlights at least.
Understory Planting
In wooded areas, a dogwood tree as an understory planting works great. Some varieties of dogwood trees are ideal for growing under large trees to create a natural-looking landscape.
Mixed Border
If you have a mixed border in your yard, you need to plant some shrubs, including dogwood, to add height & interest to your landscape design. Dogwood trees work great as a natural-looking border which ultimately helps to enhance the beauty of your flowers & shrubs.
Believe it or not, planting a dogwood tree in a mixed border will create a nice diverse ecosystem while providing habitat for various wildlife species.
Near a Water Feature
People have recently been installing water features like fountains, etc., in their landscapes. If you also have a water feature in your yard, consider planting a dogwood tree near a water feature to help filter pollutants and improve the water quality in your yard.
Along a Driveway or Walkways
Lastly, you can create a welcoming entrance to your home by planting a dogwood tree along your driveway or walkway.
I plan to create a beautiful entrance along my driveway using small to medium-sized trees. If you’re also planting a dogwood tree along a driveway or walkway, choose a spot away from the edges to avoid interference with the pavement.
Conclusion
After reading 11 ‘Best place to plant dogwood trees, ‘ you know where to plant dogwood trees.’ It’s better to use dogwood trees as a focal point in your landscape to create extra beauty and add a pop of color to your garden.
It will also interest mainly wildlife while giving you many opportunities for bird watching. If you find this article helpful, then consider sharing it.
Your share will help many people learn about the potential landscaping ideas and spots they can choose to grow dogwood trees. Do you check our other helpful guide on dogwood tree care & management? See you in the next post. Till then, take care, and goodbye.
