How to Feed a Dogwood Tree

Overview

The dogwood tree is one of the most popular landscaping trees in the United States, known for its brilliant bursts of white, pink or red blossoms that emerge each spring and dominate the entire canopy. The tree, which grows to 25 feet in height and at maturity can be just as wide, has become a symbol of spring in many parts of the country. To make sure the dogwood tree blooms to its full potential, a regular feeding schedule is required

Step 1

Calculate the area under the tree's canopy or drip line, which is the farthest point from where water drips off the leaves.

Step 2

Put on garden gloves and measure out one half pound of slow release fertilizer for every 500 feet of area.

Step 3

Sprinkle the fertlizer under the tree, taking care to cover the entire surface under the drip line evenly and thoroughly. Avoid fertilizing directly up against the trunk; leave about six inches to one foot of ground between trunk and fertilizer.

Step 4

Water thoroughly so that fertilizer sinks into the ground, where it can be absorbed by the roots, which tend to stretch out as far as the drip line.

Step 5

Fertilize dogwoods three times a year for the first three to five years after being planted, according to the Ms. Grow-It-All website. Fertilize in March, May and August. Trees in USDA hardiness zones 6 and 7 only need two feedings a year, in March or April and again in July.