How to prune kousa dogwood

After flowering in early summer, or late winter for structural pruning. Cut dead or diseased limbs back to healthy wood at the branch collar. To thin congestion, remove selected interior branches entirely rather than shortening them. Preserve the natural layered canopy — avoid heading cuts that produce ugly water sprouts.

As needed — light annual cleanup; structural pruning every 3–5 years. Kousa Dogwood has an attractive tiered, vase-shaped form that needs little intervention. Prune primarily to remove dead or diseased wood and any crossing branches. Unlike Cornus florida, Kousa blooms on new growth from established wood, so post-flower pruning is fine but rarely necessary beyond cleanup.

Cut dead or diseased limbs back to healthy wood at the branch collar. To thin congestion, remove selected interior branches entirely rather than shortening them. Preserve the natural layered canopy — avoid heading cuts that produce ugly water sprouts.