When And How To Prune Red Twig Dogwood

Question From: Newberry, South Carolina, United States
Q: When can I cut back my red twig dogwood that has grown way out of proportion?

A: Just when the leaf buds begin to swell in late winter or early spring is considered prime time to prune red twig dogwood. The best way to renew a red twig is to cut one third of the oldest stems back to the ground every year. You can do that now and not end up with a mangled mess that will last all summer. By pruning early in the year new growth covers stub ends. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy.