Avoid compact or shallow soils. Does not tolerate pollution. Always mulch around the base of dogwoods to conserve moisture and prevent damage from lawn mowers and string trimmers. Water thoroughly once a week during periods of drought. Susceptible to many diseases and insects, including borers, anthracnose, and flower and leaf spots.
Many problems result from damage to bark caused by lawnmowers and string trimmers.
Consult local sources, including historic or public gardens and arboreta, regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area. Dogwood is the most popular native flowering tree and is the state tree of Virginia. It is often used as a specimen, in masses, or naturalized under large trees. Interesting in all seasons because of its showy spring flowers, red berries, consistent fall color, and branching habit. This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation.