If a poll was taken to determine which tree is preferred best by homeowners, I expect dogwoods would be at the top of the list. Flowering dogwoods are native to the eastern United States, including all of Georgia. Flowering dogwood grows 20 to 35-feet-tall and spreads 20 to 25 feet. Trees grown in the sun grow slower and are more compact than shade-grown trees. Shade tree branches appear to form horizontal layers of foliage.

The showy white bracts add color to both native woodlands and urban landscapes for about two weeks in early spring. Cultivars with pink or red bracts are available.

Dogwoods grow best in well drained soils with a slightly acidic reaction (pH 5.0-6.5). They are sensitive to high or rapidly changing soil temperatures. Woodland soil temperatures rise and fall slowly and dogwoods grow best in this environment.

Flowering dogwoods can be grown in sun or shade but shaded trees will be less dense, grow more quickly and taller, and have poor flowering and fall color. They prefer part shade (preferably in the afternoon) with a cool mulched root zone. Flowering dogwoods prefer a deep, rich, well-drained soil with some organic matter.

Bare root or balled and burlapped trees should be transplanted during the dormant season, which means now. Container grown trees can be transplanted anytime of the year if they are irrigated regularly after planting. Moving dogwoods from the wild is not recommended because of disease problems.

Trees should be planted in a hole as deep as the rootball, no deeper. The hole should be three times the width of the rootball. The tree should be watered thoroughly after transplanting to settle soil around the roots. It should be noted, dogwoods are not tolerant of extended drought periods. 

Over-fertilization can injure the young dogwood. If you wish to fertilize within a year after planting, applying a small amount of slow-release fertilizer to the top of the rootball. Fertilizer can be applied directly on top of the mulch. Most established trees growing in landscapes where the lawn, ground covers, and shrubs are fertilized do not need additional fertilizer. Their root systems extend throughout the lawn and landscape and receive nutrients when these areas are fertilized.

What would spring in Georgia be without the beauty of dogwoods in bloom? If you have room in your landscape, think about adding a dogwood.