i just received a lovely pink-edged dogwood as a gift and wish to put it in my front yard.
i was warned that it could be difficult...so...help?!? what do i need to do/NOT do?
thanks
-alan

Reply to post by Alan E Burd, on April 05, 2002 at 18:35:31:

Just plant it in a hole slightly larger around than its roots -- spreading the roots as much as you reasonably can. Soak the soil to "muddy it in" -- that is, eliminate all air pockets between the roots and the soil. This is more than just watering it. It's a real drencher. Then, put a thick (3"-4") collar of mulch around it like a donut, leaving a couple of inches of the part around the trunk with only a very thin layer of mulch. Try to keep the weeds away for a coule of years. Bingo! Tree.

Reply to post by Gwenne Lally, on April 05, 2002 at 18:35:31:

No harm, and possibly much help in digging a much wider hole.
See http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/planting

Reply to post by Guy, on April 07, 2002 at 21:37:00:

Depending upon your region, the tree may do better with some relief from scorching sun.
Also, be sure not to plant too deeply. If you must use plant supports, don't leave them on any longer than necessary.
Avoid pruning as much as possible, especially the first year of growth.
Concentrate future pruning on correcting: broken, dead, or poorly attached branches, including any co-dominant, narrow-forked stems.
Water the tree deeply and not too frequently. Know the percolation characteristics of your soil, so that you don't drown the tree if there is very slow drainage. Correct any poor drainage, planting a bit higher if this is a problem.
Locate the tree where you can keep foot traffic from compacting the soil, and resist the temptation to grow turf directly under the tree.
The same goes for planting annual flowers in a ring around the trunk (don't do it). Think: protect the roots!
Keep mowers and line trimmers away.
Look at the tree closely and often, so you can notice if it is developing any stresses.