Is a Flowering Dogwood a Good House Corner Tree?

Growing Conditions

• Only consider a flowering dogwood tree for a foundation bed if the proper soil, light and climate conditions exist. This tree fares best in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5b through 9a. It needs a moist, acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. In more northern regions where the summers are cooler, flowering dogwood can handle partial sun to full sun exposures well. Farther south, partial shade is best. Avoid planting a flowering dogwood in hot, dry soils on the hottest southwest corner of the building.

Mature Size

• While numerous cultivars of flowering dogwoods are available, eventually each matures 20 to 40 feet tall and 20 to 30 feet wide. It remains a cute small tree for about 10 to 20 years after planting, and then begins to attain quite a large, spreading silhouette. Therefore, a flowering dogwood is best suited to plant near a two- or three-story building so it remains in scale.

Spacing

• Never plant trees too close to a building. A small, youthful tree may look nice planted within six feet of the house, but it will cause problems 10 to 20 years later. Plant a flowering dogwood tree no closer than 12 feet from the corner of a house. This spacing allows ample space for roots to radiate outward in all directions. It also provides room for the branches to spread over the years and not run into windows, siding or soffits. Keeping the tree away from the house ensures even lighting to all parts of the tree so it does not lean away from the house in an effort to receive more sunlight.

Disease Issues

• Anthracnose fungal disease is a major concern with flowering dogwoods as well as canker and powdery mildew. If any disease is rampant in your region, it may not be a wise idea to rely on this tree to live long term as a tree near the house. Sick trees don't bloom well, suffer irregular branch dieback and may display miscolored leaves during warm, wet springs. It may not be the most attractive tree to have highlighted right next to the house.

Regional Advice

• Contact your botanical garden or cooperative extension office to learn of alternative small trees better suited to grow as an accent tree at the corner of your house. A crab apple, flowering cherry, crape myrtle, fringe tree or hawthorn may be a better tree for that purpose in your region's soil and climate.