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pruning Dogwoods #922719

Asked December 07, 2025, 11:25 AM EST

I have 2 mature dogwood trees that are getting too big for their respective locations. I would like to prune them and need guidance on what time of year and how to prune for longevity and health. Note one had a large limb crack off during an ice storm two years ago and I am inclined to remove an entire large limb on the opposite side of the tree to "balance" it. These limbs are low down on the main trunk. Can you direct me to some tutorials and/or written guides? Thank you.

Multnomah County Oregon

Expert Response

Hi Toni and thanks for your question about pruning your large dogwoods. In general, dogwoods don't need much pruning, but if you want to shape and balance it there is a good video put out by the Clackamas County Master Gardeners about the basics of pruning.
Rhonda Frick-Wright Replied December 08, 2025, 3:03 PM EST

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