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What should I do with this dogwood?

alfharris8alfharris8 Posts: 513
in Problem solving
I think this is a Common Dogwood but please correct me if I'm wrong.
Could anyone advise me on what I can do to make it more attractive and healthier as the leaves look a bit spotty. 
Thank you. 

Posts

  • alfharris8alfharris8 Posts: 513
    As usual the photo is lopsided and I can't get it right. 
    Here is a leaf.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    You need to crop it or re-size it a bit smaller so it comes out vertical.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • alfharris8alfharris8 Posts: 513

  • alfharris8alfharris8 Posts: 513
    Thanks Obelixx
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    Common Dogwoods are often better if coppiced regularly each spring. It then grows lots of new stems which usually have some colour in winter.
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    As it's grown into an attractive tree like form, you could (at the appropriate time of year) clear out the twiggy stuff below where the main branches start forking out. At least the leaves would be away from eye level and it looks like it would make a nice natural looking tree.
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    edited August 2021
    It does look very large but if you could raise the crown it would look a lot better.  This simply means removing all stems from the main trunk or stems to about shoulder or head height.  This will let in light, air and rain to the base and make the whole plant seem lighter.

    Do it when the tree is dormant so some time between leaf fall and the first frosts so wounds can heal.   Once you can see the whole branch structure you could thin out some of the top stems too for further reduction in volume.

    We've done this with inherited mimosa trees and an abizia julibrissin and it makes a huge difference and what was a big lump become an elegant tree.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
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