Is it OK to move a small dogwood now?

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kellydz Galesburg, MI(Zone 6a) Oct 02, 2010

If I understand correctly fall is the best time to plant a new tree so I am assuming it might also the best time to move one. I have a small dogwood (about 6 feet) that needs to be moved because it is in too much direct sun and is right next to several huge clumps of eulalia grass that are crowding the tree out. I have a great space for it so any advice on moving it would be greatly appreciated. I live in Zone 5b. Tree was here when we moved in so I have no idea what type of dogwood. Thanks for any help you can give!

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raisedbedbob Walkerton, VA(Zone 7a) Oct 03, 2010

From the University of MD Agricultural Extension Service:

"Early fall is a good time to transplant woody plants. However, dogwood, tulip poplar, pin oak, and evergreens should only be dug up and moved in the spring"

I have followed this advice for many years with excellent results. One year I transplanted 18 young Flowering Dogwoods (Cornus florida) with 100% success. You may want to check with your local service to see of they agree for Zone 5.

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kellydz Galesburg, MI(Zone 6a) Oct 03, 2010

Well my husband will be very happy to hear he can put off that chore for a while. I will check with my extension office just to confirm tomorrow. Thanks for the info!

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HoosierGreen Danville, IN Oct 10, 2010

If I were you, I would help lessen transplant shock by root pruning the dogwood tree now. All you have to do is dig all around the tree as if you were actually transplanting it, but not all the way underneath, just spading the perimeter. This will cut the spreading roots and stimulate the growth of a more dense root ball this fall. Then, next spring, the tree will have a much fuller set of roots to help it when you do transplant it. I did this for a client just last fall, and both dogwoods were successfully moved this spring. One was over 10' tall with a caliper of over an inch. The other was smaller, but both were in too much shade, never having bloomed after the first year setting out. They grew very nicely this summer, and have set a good number of flower buds for next spring.

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kellydz Galesburg, MI(Zone 6a) Oct 11, 2010

I will definitely do that HoosierGreen. I did it for a holly bush I am going to move next spring and not sure why I didn't think to do it for the dogwood. Thanks!

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