

Made from the leaves of the Australian tea tree, the essential oil has been used for hundreds of years to treat cuts and wounds and to prevent infection. No green cleaning kit or natural medicine cabinet is complete without tea tree oil. The Kousa Dogwood is disease and pest resistant.This story originally appeared on Rodale’s Organic Life in July 2017. Proper location choice, watering and fertilization are the keys to your success. The best way to prevent disease and pests is by providing the appropriate care for your plants. Maintenanceĭogwoods don't generally require pruning, but if needed prune when they are dormant to remove any dead, dying, or crowded branches.ĭogwoods are deer tolerant and can be considered the perfect flowering tree for zone 5, zone 6, zone 7, zone 8, or zone 9. Fertilizingįertilize in early spring and when planting with our slow release fertilizer to give your tree a boost. Dogwoods tend to have shallow roots so watering deeply less often is preferred to watering a little every day. Wateringĭogwoods should be watered often enough that the soil does not dry completely, but is not saturated. Do not allow the mulch to touch the trunk as this increases the chances of pests and disease. Pine straw or bark is a great choice for Dogwoods since they do like a slightly acidic soil. Mulching aids in keeping the shallow roots cool and moist. These trees tolerate full sun to part shade and prefer soil that is well-drained, acidic, and nutrient rich. However, if you avoid freezing and hot temperatures you can plant almost any time of the year. Spring and fall are ideal times to plant. When planting your Dogwood be sure you have the right location and conditions for your new tree to thrive. This fruit is rich in antioxidants especially vitamin C.

A quick internet search will offer recipes for jams, muffins, pies and more. The roots of the Kousa Dogwood are non-invasive so they are great for planting near homes, pools, driveways, and sidewalks with no fear of problems.

Enjoy stunning and prolific white blooms right in your own backyard.
