My new dogwood tree (again) - sign of life? (growing, grass, trees)

[blossom4792]

Hi,I posted once before about a white flowering dogwood tree that I planted in June. I transplanted it to an area with partial shade, but I fear it's been too much. It is completely brown with no signs of life - no tiny sprouts anywhere. I guess I'll just keep doing my best and crossing my fingers. Is there any way for me to tell if there is any sign of life? In its prior place in full sun I was getting some minute hints of green, but now it's looking brown and crisp. It's in good soil with some mulch, partial sun, good water.thanks

[anitajas]

Hi Blossom,
Doesn't sound good for your tree... have you tried cutting into one of the branches to see if it is still supple/moist? If not, it's probably a goner So sad too, because they ar such pretty trees!

[citydweller]

yeah try peeling away a bit of the bark with a knife and see if any 'green' is under there. Try close to the bottom of the plant as most plants die from the top down. Good luck. I hope to plant a dogwood this fall myself.

[IngleDave]

I'm in Tennessee and planting a tree in June would be certain death. For dogwoods, in particular, even if you buy one in a pot, it's best to wait until winter to plant them, not September, not October, but when the tree is dormant and the weather is cool/cold. Your luck will be much, much better.

Right now, I'm watching a tree grow that sprouted in one of my front beds. It's a tiny dogwood (8-inches now coming up in a bed of monkey grass) from a seed that came from a derteriorating 45-year-old tree. I don't need to transplant it at all. It's in a good spot already. I got one two years ago the same way. I transplanted the seedling in the winter months and now, in only two years, it's 7 feet tall and bloomed this spring (not much, but it bloomed). I visited a site of an old house years ago where a strip centered was going to be built. I found a 6-ft tree growing out of a wall. I yanked it out by the roots...it's now 18 feet tall and absolutely grateful by blooming profusely. This occurred in January.

Bottom line, don't plant trees in the summer, ever. With a little patience and a good jacket, you'll do great by planting during dormancy. Even in the winter, if it's dry, give them a bit of water from time to time. Good luck with the dogwoods; I have 6 of them and it makes spring a beautiful season.

[blossom4792]

thanks everyone and thanks ingledave for the helpful info. I haven't tried cutting down low on the bark yet - the branches are crisp, but there is a hint of green down lower near the base. At this point, I'm just going to let it stay where it is, so if there is any hope, it will have its chance.