A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2006 Dogwood Trees

I just bought some Dogwood trees. I live in NC in a low line area. Will they get drowned really bad in a lot of standing water? I love them so much. also is it too early to plant them? And do they require fertilyzer now or wait until spring? They are doormat. Im new to this plant thing and so Im still learning.

Make sure they get some drainage. plant on a slope or build a mound. plant them as soon as possible, and do not fertilize at all the first year. They will not tolerate clay well, either. Please check back, others here may have some more information, and you should also give us any other details you have...the more we know, the more we can help!

Don't fertilize this year? I thought all plants need it when you first set them out in the spring? These trees were 3 gallon trees young trees from Walmart.
Do I need to just water them this year then? And not fertilize them?

Yes. When you transplant a tree, it needs time to get established. Most fertilizers contain nitrogen, whick aids green growth. It's best for the tree to adjust to it's new environment before you stimulate new growth. If you do anything, use a root stimulator, but I suggest you let the tree "rest." Any fertilizer will put demands on the tree to grow roots, flowers, or green growth. The plant needs to get used to it's new location...in fact, plants in containers really need to adjust to the new soil they're in. It absolutely will not hurt a thing, and more likely will help, to just let them get settled in for a year. In fact, chemical fertilizers can make a plant of any kind grow at an unnaturally fast rate which can make it susceptible to all sorts of pest/disease/environmental problems. The most important thing is to make sure you don't overwater or underwater...and NEVER

OOps! Overfertilize...the healthiest plants, in my opinion, are grown organically. Too much fertilizer can STRESS a tree or any plant, and that's when you can really have problems.

Makes sense. Do you suspect my Dogwood will bloom the first year? Its a three gallon...small tree. Also does that rule about not fertilyzing apply to most plants when you first set them out?

Whats the difference between a root stimulator and fertilyzer?

Well, root stimulator usually is vitamin B complex, with stuff like phosphorous and/or hormones. Fertizer usually is nitrogen/phosphorous/potassium plus whatever else.
A dogwood will bloom this year if it already has buds...big buds on the stems. A 3 gallon tree should have bloom buds, but not nescessarily. It may take up to 2 years before it blooms, but the large pot, most likely you'll have blooms this year.
If you have pictures, I/we can give you more info.!
Stick with us and we'll help all we can!

I definately will stick with you guys.
Thanks! Any name brand root stimulator good for trees? In other words at Lowes or Walmart what do I look for?

Also isn't it wise to wait until spring before watering the trees regularly? They're still doormat afterall.

Oh, no,no, no. Just water well when you plant, then depending on how dry or hot the weather is, water every 2 to 4 weeks. Just so long as the soil doesn't get bone dry...We're in a severe drought here, but I'm only watering every month or so while they're dormant. New plantings need a bit more, if you're having drought, or high temps.

AND...don't worry about fertilizing. I'd be much nore concerned abour the soil you have...Clay? Sand? Let us know.

My soil is what they call heavy soil. Its not sand nor clay. It is black heavy soil. Pine trees grow good in it I know that. We have dug Dogwoods up from the woods before and they never lived in our yard we think its due to too wet those years? we had never bought one and tried it. So last week I bought two. I'm trying one behind my house and one in front and see. I also bought a Weeping willow tree/ Any special rule to those? They say they LOVE water? So I know if thats true they'll love my yard.

okay, I'm checking out for tonight, but I'll check in tomorrow. You're right, the willows love water...can't go wrong...Okay if we chat more tomorrow?

I have Webtv so I might cant use chat here...but drop me an email.