Dogwood trees are a great addition

Dogwood trees are one of the most popular trees today. In their native habitat flowering dogwood trees grow in the forest under a canopy of larger trees that filter the sunlight. In the garden dogwood trees do best in light shade. They prefer a well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Flowering dogwood trees are shallow rooted, so they need watering when there is no regular rainfall.

With its spring flowers, summer and fall foliage, red fall fruit, and unique winter branching habit, a flowering dogwood tree has four-season interest. Growing only 20 feet tall, it is a perfect specimen tree for the home landscape. Placing the dogwood tree against a brick or dark wall accentuates its flowers and branching. Dogwood trees have simple leaves and most dogwood trees have opposite leaves. Dogwood flowers have four parts. In many species, the flowers are borne separately in open clusters, while in various other species, the flowers themselves are tightly clustered, lacking showy petals, but surrounded by four to six large, typically white petal-like bracts.

Dogwood tree wood is dense and fine-grained; and is highly prized for making loom shuttles, tool handles and other small items that require a very hard and strong wood. Though it is tough for woodworking, some artisans favor dogwood trees for small projects such as walking canes, longbows and fine inlays. Dogwood tree wood is an excellent substitute for persimmon wood in the heads of certain golf clubs. Finally, dogwood tree wood items have also been used for the screw-in basket-style wine or fruit presses.

Dogwood trees are a great addition