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Roughleaf Dogwood #847273

Asked August 25, 2023, 12:06 PM EDT

I was given this tree/shrub at the Home & Garden Show in the Spring. I put it in a pot to be planted in the Fall. It's done great & is now about 4ft tall. With two main trunks, will it grow more like a shrub or a tree? and should I tie the trunks together to support more upright growth? I planned to plant it in the front yard, but I need a tree, not a shrub. Thank you

Tulsa County Oklahoma

Expert Response

Roughleaf dogwood (Cornus drummondii) grows more as a medium to large multi-stemmed shrub but can be trained into a small tree. If you would like to train it into a small tree with a central trunk/leader then you can remove or cut back one of the competing stems. Choose the smallest or weakest of the two stems and keep the other. If they are equal in size and health then choose the one that seems to be the most straight and upright. For some tips on pruning and training trees and shrubs see our fact sheet Training Young Shade and Ornamental Trees. You can also reach out to the Tulsa County OSU Extension Center for additional assistance if needed.

David Hillock Replied August 25, 2023, 2:16 PM EDT
Thank you so much.  This is very helpful.

From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Friday, August 25, 2023 1:16 PM
To: PATRICIA A GATTI <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Roughleaf Dogwood (#0117199)
 
The Question Asker Replied August 26, 2023, 9:42 AM EDT

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