Now is prime time for dogwood trees

Posted 15 October 2018 at 8:12 pm

Editor:

Mid-October and mid-May are “prime time” for white dogwood trees. Their Fall color is about as sweet as foliage gets, and their Spring blossoms are nearly impossible to miss against their otherwise bare branches.

Of course, they also sport bright red berries which become more noticeable as their leaves fall. These fruits are a favorite of many birds.

Thanks to the efforts of volunteers—including A.C.S. students doing community service—Albion is graced with numerous examples of cornus florida. They provide a glimpse of what trees can mean to a community if given a chance.

Fall is the time to prune most trees—dogwoods included. Before doing so, it is wise to check for proper pruning techniques. Dogwoods benefit from mulching, and special care should be taken to avoid hitting them with line trimmers and other things that may damage their bark.

During prolonged dry periods it is advisable to make sure dogwoods have enough water.  Special thanks to volunteers such as Larie Vagg, who have shepherded many Village of Albion dogwoods through the first 15 years of their existence.

Sincerely yours,

Gary Kent

Albion