When and how do I prune a red twig dogwood?
Is the winter the best time? Can I prune it to the ground? Mine was pruned about half way up the branches which have now branched out so it does not have the look that most red twigs have.
Answer
Prune to form a multistemmed plant with strong shoots emerging close to ground level. Plants can be cut back hard -- to within 6 inches in early to midspring. New growth begins in early to midspring. Annual pruning to remove the older wood and encourage production of new shoots and remove weak, thin, and diseased shoots is recommended. Remove congested stump growth to avoid overcrowding.