I planted a new dogwood last spring and of course when I planted it, the leaves were green. It made it thru the winter but it doesn't have any leaves and it hasn't bloomed. It doesn't look dead-dead, but is there a way to check? Or do some newly planted dogwoods take a couple of years to bloom?
You can bend the branches. If they snap and break, those have died off. If they bend they still have life in them.
You can do the scratch test.
This link will help you with this test on your tree.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-scratch-test.htm
Here are some articles on Dogwood Tree care.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/dogwood/common-dogwood-varieties.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/dogwood/caring-dogwood-trees.htm
Keep in mind that most garden centers will guarantee a new tree for the first year.
If you tree does not survive, you should check with the point of purchase for a replacement.
Flowering may not occur in your new tree until the 2nd year.
I have a dogwood that was transplanted about 15 years ago when it was very small. It is now about 12 feet with good limbs and green leaves at the top. From the bottom of the trunk up about 4 to 5 feet it appears to be some type of scale or fungus. Is there something I could spray it with to help it. It has been in full sun the entire time. Thank you
This appears to simply be Lichen that is on the trunk of the tree.
This is generally harmless, and it may have been on the trunk from it's previous planting area, if it was shady.
Here is an article that discusses this.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/fungus-lichen/treatment-tree-lichen.htm
Can you prune a dogwood to keep it small?
You can prune for shape but not overall size of a tree.
Look for varieties that are smaller for your landscape.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/dogwood/common-dogwood-varieties.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/dogwood/trimming-dogwood-trees.htm
We had a white dogwood tree in our yard for about 20 years, until it was killed by a storm. I have planted three more, over the past few years. However, none have survived, no matter where I plant them. There are many dogwoods in our neighborhood. What could be the problem? We live in Zone 6A. Thank you.
I would start with a simple soil test, that your local County Extension Office can help you with.
Make sure you are choosing a well draining soil location with a partial shade location for best performance. Watering is key for a new planting and a Dogwood needs watering during dry spells or warm summers.
This article will refresh you on the care requirements.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/dogwood/common-dogwood-varieties.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/dogwood/caring-dogwood-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search/
The branches are pliable, but not producing leaves.
Is the tree suffering from diseases or pest infestation.
Has the weather effected the health of your tree; winter damage, excess rain, drought conditions?
Are other trees in the region leafed out?
Is the soil well draining?
This link may help you access the care needed.
You may also want to talk with your County Extension Office to see if other trees in the area are having leafing issues.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search/
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/cherry/cherry-tree-care.htm
I planted my white kousa dogwood last year, the leaves are a light green this spring, but so far there was only 3 flowers. Is this common. My sister planted a pink dogwood the same time I did and hers had many blooms.
Dogwoods typically start blooming between 3 and 5 years of maturity.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/dogwood/growing-kousa-dogwood-trees.htm
Best time to cut branches off.
Dead or diseased branches can be cut off when needed but overall pruning of dogwoods should be done in winter, when the plant is dormant
http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/dogwood/trimming-dogwood-trees.htm