How much can I prune my red twig dogwood

jcplainfield · Sat Aug 22, 2009 4:36 pm

I have had a red twig for 6 years and never pruned it. Now it is about 9 or 10 feet tall and wide. Does anyone have suggestion on how best to prune it back without killing it? Also what time of year would be best to prune it?

Kisal · Sat Aug 22, 2009 8:37 pm

I contracted to have an in-ground sprinkler system installed, and opted to have my entire yard re-landscaped at the same time. A few red twig dogwoods will be planted as part of the new design. so your question made me curious about the care they would need. The articles at the following links seem to have good information:

https://www.paghat.com/redtwig.html

https://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/factsheets/shrubs/text/pruning.html

rainbowgardener · Sun Aug 23, 2009 9:15 am

Prune it in spring, it will give it better color for next winter...

nice articles, Kisal.

Sharon Marie · Fri Sep 25, 2009 7:05 am

Kisal wrote:I contracted to have an in-ground sprinkler system installed, and opted to have my entire yard re-landscaped at the same time. A few red twig dogwoods will be planted as part of the new design. so your question made me curious about the care they would need. The articles at the following links seem to have good information:

https://www.paghat.com/redtwig.html

https://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/factsheets/shrubs/text/pruning.html

Ok, I need pictures of how to prune my dogwood..any suggestions?

bullthistle · Fri Sep 25, 2009 1:47 pm

Depending on how you want it to look. I would cut it back 1/3 from the top and remove any new/sucker growth coming up from the base to prevent the plant from spreading any further. If you feel anxious and want to root prune to keep the top in check go out a couple of feet or three from the base and use a spade to root prune. Can prune anytime it is dormant, no leaves, but if you enjoy the winter color wait until spring before the new growth shows.