Dogwood (Cornus) can grow up to 10 meters high and almost as wide - at least if the growing conditions at the chosen location are right. Over the years, many a small shrub grows into an impressive woody area that can become too cramped at its location. Now, of course, you can regularly use pruning shears or transplant the hornbush to a more suitable place.

Dogwoods should be transplanted in the spring when they are not in leaf

Transplant younger dogwoods during the leafless period

Younger dogwoods that have been in one location for a maximum of four to five years can still be transplanted relatively easily due to their rather slow growth in the first few years. You should implement this plan during the leafless period, i. H. either in autumn after the leaves have fallen or in spring before they sprout. Experience has shown that transplanting works best in autumn, since the tree then goes into hibernation and has enough time to recover from this shock until spring. Don't forget to prune the dogwood back by at least a third the following spring.

Only transplant older dogwoods with preparation

On the other hand, older dogwoods, which are more established at their location, can only be transplanted with sufficient preparation. The reason for this lies in the development of the roots, which over the years can assume the same dimensions as the crown itself. The main problem here is the numerous fine roots that are far away from the trunk and are destroyed during a transplant operation. However, only these fine roots are able to absorb water - the secondary and main roots only pass the precious water on to the above-ground parts of the plant. This means that when transplanting and the associated destruction of the water-absorbing fine roots, you cut off the dogwood from its water supply. To prevent this, you need to prepare the wood accordingly:

  • In autumn, cut out a generously sized circle around the wood to be transplanted.
  • In doing so, pierce the roots.
  • The dug trench should be at least 40 centimeters deep and 10 centimeters wide.
  • Mix the excavation with plenty of compost
  • and refill the moat.
  • Now water the dogwood thoroughly.
  • The bush will develop new fine roots in the following nine years
  • and form a more compact root ball.

The actual transplanting takes place in the autumn of the following year.

tips

You should be particularly careful with the flower dogwoods, because they are very sensitive to transplanting.

Category:

Trees