How far apart to plant dogwood trees

Dogwood trees are popular ornamental trees that add beauty to any landscape. They are known for their pink or white flowers that bloom in the spring, and their bright red fruits that appear in the fall. If you're thinking of planting dogwood trees, one of the most important things to consider is the distance between the trees. The spacing largely depends on your goals, the variety of dogwood you’re planting, and the size of the tree at maturity. In this article, we’ll explore the different factors that affect how far apart to plant dogwood trees.

The growth habit of dogwood trees

Dogwood trees grow in a variety of shapes and sizes. They can be small shrubs or large trees, and they can grow up to 40-50 feet tall. When determining the distance between dogwood trees, you need to consider the growth habit of the tree variety. If you’re planting a shrub-like dogwood variety, you may need to space the trees closer together than if you were planting a tall variety. The spacing also depends on whether you’re planting in a formal or informal setting. In a formal setting, where trees are pruned regularly, you may need to plant them closer together than in an informal setting.

The mature size of dogwood trees

The mature size of the dogwood tree is another important factor to consider when spacing. Dogwood trees can grow to different sizes, depending on the variety. For instance, the roughleaf dogwood, also known as Cornus drummondii, can grow to be about 15 feet tall, while the white dogwood, also known as Cornus florida, can reach up to 25 feet tall. It's important to note that the trees will grow wider than they are tall, meaning that the spacing should also take into account the tree's width. Generally, dogwood trees are planted anywhere from six to 30 feet apart, depending on the size of the tree at maturity.

The purpose of the dogwood trees

Finally, the spacing of dogwood trees depends on the purpose of the trees. If you're planting dogwood trees for screening or privacy, you may need to plant them closer together than for purely ornamental purposes. The distance between the trees also depends on whether you want them to grow together to form a canopy or if they should grow independently. If your goal is to create a walkway with dogwood trees on either side, you may only need to space them a few feet apart.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the distance between dogwood trees should be determined by a combination of factors. Consider the variety’s growth habit, size at maturity, and the purpose you have in mind for the trees to determine how far apart to plant them. Proper spacing ensures that the trees will have enough space to grow and thrive, while creating the desired effect in your garden or landscape.