The dogwood tree, belonging to the genus Cornus, is a highly desired ornamental plant known for its striking spring blooms and attractive fall foliage. Selecting the right specimen requires more than simply choosing a color, as the tree’s long-term health depends heavily on its source and initial condition. This guide details the purchasing process, from identifying the best retailer to inspecting the plant and handling it immediately after the sale.
Where to Source Your Dogwood Tree
The choice of retailer significantly affects the variety and quality of the dogwood tree you purchase.
Local, independent nurseries often provide the most reliable stock, as their inventory is typically sourced from regional growers and is better adapted to local climatic conditions. These specialized shops also employ staff with horticultural expertise who can offer tailored advice on the best Cornus species for your specific soil and light requirements.
Larger chain home improvement stores offer convenience and often lower prices, making them an accessible option for many buyers. While their selection is generally limited to the most common cultivars, these stores allow for on-the-spot purchasing. However, the trees may receive less individualized care, making careful inspection before purchase especially important.
For those seeking unique or rare dogwood varieties, online specialty nurseries and mail-order businesses are the primary resource. These vendors often carry specific cultivars or native species that are unavailable locally. The trade-off for this expanded selection is that the tree’s health must be assessed upon arrival, and shipping can occasionally be stressful for the plant.
Essential Selection Criteria
Choosing the correct dogwood variety is paramount to the tree’s success in its planted location. The two most common species are the native flowering dogwood, Cornus florida, and the Asian-native Kousa dogwood, Cornus kousa. Cornus florida is prized for its early spring blooms. Cornus kousa flowers later and exhibits superior resistance to fungal diseases, notably dogwood anthracnose, which can be a serious threat to the native species.
Once the species is determined, a thorough health inspection of the individual specimen is required. Look for a balanced, upright branching structure, avoiding trees with narrow crotches where branches meet the trunk, as these are structurally weak. Examine the foliage for any signs of disease, such as spots, discoloration, or wilt. Check the bark for cracks, lesions, or evidence of boring insect activity.
A serious issue to inspect is the root system, particularly in container-grown trees. Gently slide the tree partially out of its pot to look for thick, circling roots that wrap around the root ball, known as girdling roots. These roots will eventually choke the tree and inhibit nutrient uptake, requiring them to be carefully cut or redirected before planting to ensure long-term vigor.
Understanding Tree Form and Timing
Dogwood trees are generally sold in one of three physical forms, each with distinct advantages and ideal purchasing times.
Containerized Trees
Containerized trees, which are grown and sold in pots, are the most common and are available year-round. The root system remains undisturbed during transport, resulting in minimal transplant shock and allowing for flexible planting schedules, provided adequate watering is maintained.
Bare-Root Trees
Bare-root dogwoods are field-grown and dug up while dormant, with all soil washed away from the root system. This form is significantly lighter, easier to handle, and typically less expensive than other types. It is only available for purchase in the late fall or early spring when the tree is completely inactive. The absence of soil allows for a complete inspection of the root structure.
Balled and Burlapped (B&B)
The third form is balled and burlapped (B&B), where a field-grown tree is dug with a large soil ball wrapped in burlap and wire for stability. B&B trees are typically larger and more mature specimens, providing an instant landscape impact. However, they are extremely heavy and more susceptible to transplant shock due to the loss of a significant portion of their root mass during the digging process. The optimal time to purchase and plant B&B or bare-root trees is during the dormant season, which facilitates successful root re-establishment.
Immediate Post-Purchase Handling
The period between buying your dogwood and planting it requires careful management to prevent stress. If the tree is balled and burlapped or containerized, the root ball must be protected from physical damage during transportation. Bare-root trees are highly susceptible to desiccation, so their roots must be kept consistently moist and shielded from direct sunlight and wind exposure.
If immediate planting is not possible, the tree must be stored in a cool, shaded location, such as a garage or protected corner of the yard. Containerized trees should be watered regularly to prevent the root ball from drying out. Bare-root specimens benefit from having their roots soaked in a bucket of water for two to three hours just before planting.
Before planting, prepare the root system to encourage outward growth into the native soil. For containerized trees, use a sharp tool to score or lightly cut through the outer, matted surface of the root ball in several places to break up any circling roots. This action is crucial for successful long-term establishment.