Pagoda Dogwood Growth After Selective Pruning - August 2025

It may be hard to see in the photo below, but the Pagoda Dogwood tree (a native tree) that we have in our backyard had a big 'leap' year in terms of growth.  The past few seasons, I've been doing what I call 'selective pruning' of this tree where I shorten the length of each of the limbs that radiate out from the apical meristem (or trunk).   Our tree seems to want to grow almost bush-like or shrub-like.  A big puff-ball of foliage.  But, I want it to get taller, hence the pruning back of the limbs. 

But, I've learned long ago, that you can't stimulate a young, non-mature tree to grow taller by simply pruning back all of the lower limbs.  The tree needs foliage to grow.  That whole 'solar panel effect' - is how the tree collects energy via its leaves.  

So, what have I been doing?  Just pruning the tips.  Take the final foot-or-so off the ends.  Leave the rest.

And, the tree seems to respond well to that seasonal pruning.  

I planted this tree in the Fall of 2021.  That means this tree has been around for four-years.  And, has been watered very little aside from what it collects via rain.

It started smaller than twelve-inches-tall.  Today's post shows the current height - taller than me. 

It also shows that the tree has a strong central leader.  I'm happy about that, too. 

This tree is back by our firepit.  And tucked into the hedge of Hicks Yews.  With more time, we'll see the horizontal branching sit 'above' the hedge and stand-out.