There are over 50 species of dogwood – part of the Cornus plant family – that are native to North America, Europe, Asia and Africa. There is much diversity within this genus, ranging from medium-sized native specimens, such as the flowering dogwood, Cornus florida, to the small, shrinking bunchberry dogwood, Cornus canadensis, that grows as a ground cover in forests across Canada and the United States.

As fall takes hold, dogwoods put on a spectacular seasonal display, with orange, red, brown, or yellow leaves marking the end of the growing season. Despite cooler weather and darker days of October and November, there is still much to be done in the yard and spending a little time to tend to your dogwood will help to keep them in good health and encourage them to return better than ever next year.

So, if you grow native dogwood trees in your borders or a container, our fall care guide has all the information you need to know, including pruning advice from a plant expert from the Knoxville Botanic Garden and Arboretum in East Tennessee.

(Image credit: Getty Images/Sundry Photography)

What to do with dogwoods in the fall


The genus Cornus consists of over 50 species of dogwood that are native to North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. From the medium-sized flowering dogwood, Cornus florida, to the small bunchberry dogwood, Cornus canadensis, there is a wide range of diversity within this plant family.

As the fall season arrives, dogwoods exhibit a stunning display of colors with their orange, red, brown, or yellow leaves marking the end of the growing season. Despite the cooler temperatures and shorter days, taking care of your dogwood trees during this time will ensure their health and vitality for the following year.

If you have native dogwood trees in your garden or containers, our fall care guide provides all the essential information you need, including expert advice on pruning from the Knoxville Botanic Garden and Arboretum in East Tennessee.

In the months of October, November, and December, it is important to engage in tasks such as sowing, weeding, and tidying up your yard as part of your fall gardening checklist. While the weather may vary depending on your location and hardiness zone, it is generally mild and wet during this time. Preparing your plants and shrubs for the colder months ahead by mulching, tidying, and watering them will benefit their growth in the coming year.

  1. Mulching dogwoods in the fall: Applying a thick layer of mulch around your dogwood tree during fall helps protect the roots from frost and snow, while also providing nutrients to the soil. Mulching is crucial for both trees in the ground and those in pots.
  2. Keep watering shrubs and trees in the fall: Dogwoods benefit from occasional deep watering during fall, especially in dry conditions. Ensuring adequate moisture before the ground freezes will help them thrive in the spring.
  3. Tidy, but do not hard prune dogwoods until winter: Pruning dogwoods is best done in late winter, around February or March. Trimming dead, diseased, or damaged branches in the fall is sufficient, while major pruning should be reserved for the off-season.

    To learn more about caring for dogwoods in the fall, including whether to fertilize them during this season, consult our guide for expert tips and advice.