Why Won’t My Dogwood Leaf

Question

I have two new Dogwood trees that were replanted from another yard to my yard in February of this year by a landscaper. I’ve waited for them to begin to leaf but they haven’t yet. When we scrape the limbs, there is green showing. One tree even has the beginning of a leaf at the base of the trunk. It is now May and still no leaves. We are thinking of pruning to help them wake up. What do you suggest?

Answer 1

I would first make sure that they are getting plenty of water, especially since they are newly planted. You can prune off some of the tree but don't make any drastic cuts. Here is more information that should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-leafing-problems.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/dogwood/trimming-dogwood-trees.htm