Dogwood Tree

Sharon called and asked me to discuss the popular dogwood tree. Although dogwood shrubs are also available, we'll stick to the topic of trees this week.

Flowering dogwood trees, which are native to this area, are found in the woods and along the back roads of southern Illinois.

The small size of this tree makes it a popular choice for small spaces. Homeowners often add a dogwood tree to their landscape in order to enjoy the spring floral display presented by this small tree. Avid bird watchers will plant a dogwood in the yard to help attract nature's wild creatures. During the fall and winter, the red berries produced by this tree are enjoyed by many songbirds.

Today, you can choose from red, pink and white flowering dogwoods. A mature dogwood will reach a height of 15 to 30 feet. This tree will grow in partial shade to full sun. The leaves in the fall are an exciting scarlet color.

Once established, the dogwood is relatively drought tolerate.

Dogwood borer is a pest that will damage dogwood trees. This insect burrows beneath the bark in the larva stage, disrupting the flow of sap. The insect can cause enough damage to actually kill the tree.

When mowing or using the weed trimmer, be especially careful to not damage the tree's bark. Damaged trees are more attractive to the borer.

To control dogwood borer, spray the trunk of the tree with permethrin in mid-May and again in mid-June. This insecticide will need to be applied annually.

So if your landscape needs some spring delight, consider the flowering dogwood tree. Its flowers will warm your heart and brighten your landscape.