It seemed to take forever to get here, but spring has finally arrived in eastern Kentucky in all it’s glory! Our neighborhood is full of the most gorgeous spring blooming trees and shrubs, and I am especially enjoying the beauty of dogwood trees this year. Dogwood trees are sentimental to me because my late step-father and grandfather both loved them so much.

With all the natural inspiration outside our window, today I decided to talk about the beautiful dogwood trees in bloom and to share some basic planting and pruning tips for dogwood trees too. *This post contains affiliate links.

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dogwood trees grow very well in Kentucky (gardening zone 6). The famous Kentucky Dogwood Trail in western KY can be enjoyed the by foot, car, or even trolley.

Known as The Kentucky Moonlight Bloom Walk, the trail is lighted so it can also be explored in the evening. As a Kentuckian and dogwood lover this is on my bucket list!

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Flowering dogwoods are deciduous trees that put on a fabulous spring blooming show with blooms of white and varying shades of pink and even soft yellow. We really only have space for one tree in our yard, so if I ever decide to plant a dogwood tree, picking a color will be a difficult decision!

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Dogwood trees are favorites for their lovely spring show and easy care. Trees can vary in height from 10ft-25ft depending on the variety.

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They are especially pretty in the spring when underplanted by tulips, daffodils and other spring flowers. Smaller varieties can be planted in the landscape fairly close to the house.

Dogwood trees enjoy partial shade, but they can tolerate full sun. They prefer some dappled daytime shade however. Since they grow in the wild in shaded hardwood forests, this is the most natural light conditions for them.  They will tolerate and adapt to many types of soil, but they benefit from slightly acidic soil but they are not very suitable to arid and semi-arid climates, nor do they like flooded areas.

While dogwood trees are best known for their beautiful spring blooms, they also put on a spectacular fiery show in autumn. In addition, dogwood trees produce berries throughout the year that attract wildlife.

I just really enjoy the beauty of dogwood trees and their blooms! I like to take small clippings and arrange them in a pretty vintage teacup or ironstone pitcher.

via Sally White Designs

Cut dogwood branches and stems also make beautiful spring decorative accents when displayed in lovely containers.

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I love the idea of planting a dogwood tree, but I always get a little nervous about the pruning. Nevertheless pruning dogwood trees is very important for their shape and overall health. If I decide to plant a dogwood, I will probably call a professional tree service  just to be on the safe side when it is time to prune.

If you want to DIY, be sure to prune a dogwood tree in the early spring, breaks it breaks dormancy. Use a sharp, sterile pair of hand pruners. Remove any dead or damaged branches or any branches that are touching or overlapping  Thin branches in the center of the tree to allow air to circulate which can prevent molds, fungi and mildew. Also be sure to check your tree periodically for any signs of disease or damage.

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This week I have decided to make it a point to enjoy the beauty of dogwood trees here in Kentucky. There are several dogwood trees growing wild in the forest across the street, and many more lining the streets of our neighborhood. I will be sure to share some photos here on the blog later this week.

Are you a dogwood tree lover? Do you have any tips for planting dogwood trees, or for their care and maintenance? Let’s talk about dogwoods! I love hearing from you!

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