When revamping a landscape I like to start with the existing trees. The tiny front yard of the Eliot Neighborhood property features two prominent trees: a young Dogwood, approximately 12 feet tall and wide, in the lawn area, and a young Serviceberry, about 10 feet tall and wide, situated in the parking strip.
When evaluating trees in a landscape, I can realistically envision what size they will be in 10 or 20 years; most homeowners have a disconnect from what the tree tag says about growth rate and size when they buy the tree. So, happily in this case, the trees my client planted 5 years ago can stay with a bit of professional help.
Leslie already has an arborist who comes every year and he is pruning our Dogwood with minimal cuts due to its young age. But now that we are putting a path between the dogwood and the house, he will come in and prune some additional low branches out so we can walk through this area to the office. Eventually this tree will be crown raised also called limbed up. My photos give you a better idea of how big these trees get.
Practical Tip for DIYers: Avoid pruning young trees too early. I generally advise against any pruning for the first two years after planting and then only very minimal cuts if at all. This ensures the trunk develops adequately. Too much pruning can stunt your trees growth and cause harm to its structure. If your tree is tiny, wait until it has developed a much larger caliper trunk before limbing up. This process, is typically known as “lifting” or Crown Raise . It involves the removal of some lower limbs by a certified arborist.
The backdrop features a trio of golden Italian cypress, while the garden itself includes a peach-toned rose and perennials in Leslie’s favorite colors; sky blue, apricot, lavender, and strong pinks. Leslie knew exactly where she wanted her apple tree Belgian Fence (this is a pruning technique similar to espalier) and it will be part of the barrier for the west side of the backyard. I selected compatible plants, such as Echinacea ‘White Swan,’ and several fun self seeding annuals (Love in a Mist also call Nigella the sky blue flowering form will be seeded into this bed.) California poppy and honey scented alyssum are some of the self seeding plants on our list. Self seeding annuals and bi-annuals like Forget Me Not seamlessly integrate the garden.
Selecting a rose is tricky. While trial and error might be fun for some, most of my clients want me to pick for them. Leslie wanted a fragrant peach apricot toned rose that is disease resistant. For some reason there are very few disease resistant roses that are in this color range and that are also fragrant.
The rose I recommended is called Lady of Shallot and the flower changes color as it matures showing yellow, apricot, orange and warm pink. It is fragrant, disease resistant and can be 5′ tall. I have several clients who now feel this is the best rose ever for its beauty and fragrance.
A dream garden comes from careful crafting with the client, in the form of practical design. This includes, making use of existing trees and flowers, paired with a planting plan that delights the eye (and suits your garden care skills). This is my passion—creating custom landscape designs for small city properties.
I always love designing for small city backyards. Then there’s something incredibly rewarding about working with a repeat client—especially one like Leslie, whose vision challenges me to push my creativity and expertise. I first designed a landscape for Leslie’s North Portland home two years ago, so when she approached me with her latest project—a mixed-use investment property in the Eliot neighborhood of NE Portland—I was intrigued. This wasn’t a typical residential landscape; our design would encompass both a residential rental home plus Leslie’s private entry office, and her dream garden surrounding it.
Let me share how we transformed this unique space, showcasing how valuable design experience, know-how and collaboration can truly create the perfect fit.
Starting with the backyard, we needed to incorporate Leslie’s remodeling plans, which included adding an entry door to her private office. She envisioned a back porch or patio accessible from the kitchen’s new French doors, serving as a dining and entertaining space for her tenant. However, designing this area posed a spatial challenge due to the kitchen threshold, which sits 42 inches above the ground.
It quickly became apparent that a patio wouldn’t work; the number of stairs required would consume too much of the small yard. Instead, we designed a dining deck that both Leslie and I loved. The deck integrates an existing old apple tree with low branches that naturally adds privacy to the dining area, and its one-sided growth adds charm. This tree is not just aesthetic; it will support patio lights, adding a magical touch to evening gatherings.
With the hardscape layout finalized, it was time to bring Leslie’s dream garden to life. I shaped the planting beds and the path together. There is a minimum of 36″ walkway around the birdbath and a wider area for placing two chairs in the back corner for sitting. I centered a birdbath on the office door and surrounded it with flowering plants that offer four seasons of interest. There is a tendency to make the paths too small when working with a tiny backyard. 36 inches is big enough to accommodate a wheelbarrow.
A carefully crafted garden springs from a practical design with well-situated paths and functional spaces, paired with a planting plan that delights the eye (and suits your garden care skills). This is my passion—creating custom landscape designs for small city properties.
Dogwood trees are one of the most popular and versatile choices for landscaping. With their stunning flowers, vibrant foliage, graceful form and year-round interest dogwoods can enhance any outdoor space.
In this article, we’ll explore some creative ways to incorporate dogwood trees into your landscape design. Whether you want a focal point specimen, ornamental hedge, wildlife habitat, or seasonal color, dogwoods offer endless possibilities.
Why Choose Dogwoods for Your Landscape
There are many reasons dogwood trees are a top pick for gardens and yards:
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Provide four-season appeal with flowers, foliage, fall color, and winter form.
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Available in diverse sizes and growth habits, from understory trees to large shade trees.
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Tolerate a range of soil, moisture, sun exposure, and climate conditions.
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Offer wildlife benefits with nectar, pollen, berries, and shelter.
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Complement many garden styles from formal to naturalistic.
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Relatively low maintenance once established in the right site.
With so much versatility, it’s easy to find a dogwood variety perfect for your specific needs.
Best Dogwood Species for Landscaping
The genus Cornus includes over 50 diverse species, ranging from 20 foot trees to low growing shrubs. Here are some of the best dogwood trees for landscaping uses:
Flowering Dogwood: The classic spring flowering tree with showy white or pink bracts. Ideal for specimen planting.
Kousa Dogwood: Prolific summer bloomer with unique star-shaped flowers. Disease resistant and compact form.
Red Twig Dogwood: Yellow flowers followed by vibrant red winter stems. Excellent for color and erosion control.
Pagoda Dogwood: Horizontally branching structure offers elegant form. White spring blooms.
Cornelian Cherry Dogwood: Early yellow flowers and red fruit. Attracts birds. Thrives in shade.
Silky Dogwood: Fast-growing with blue berries loved by wildlife. Good for hedges and screens.
Design Ideas for Showcasing Dogwoods
Now that you know the diversity dogwood trees offer, let’s look at some specific ways to highlight their assets in your landscape:
Woodland Garden with Naturalized Plantings
Blend multiple varieties of dogwood alongside ferns, hostas, astilbe and other woodland perennials. Use meandering gravel or stone pathways to enhance the natural aesthetic. Dogwoods planted in drifts or groupings work beautifully for this style.
Focal Point Specimen Planting
Plant one dogwood as a standout feature in your front yard or other prominent location. Underplant with groundcovers or bulbs, and use strategically placed hardscaping like boulders or benches to really make it shine. Flowering dogwood is ideal for this purpose.
Mix with Evergreens for Year-Round Interest
Combine deciduous dogwoods with evergreen trees, shrubs, and perennials. The contrast in foliage and form creates added intrigue during the winter when dogwoods are bare. Ideal evergreen companions include hollies, boxwood, pines, and spruces.
Shade Tree Near Patios and Decks
Situate larger dogwood varieties with spreading canopies near outdoor living spaces to provide shade and seasonal beauty to enjoy. Kousa and pagoda dogwoods are two excellent choices. Underplant with shade perennials.
Ornamental Hedge or Screening
Use bushy dogwood shrubs to create an informal living screen or flowering hedge border. Space plants 3 to 5 feet apart depending on mature size. Red twig and silky dogwood are ideal hedge plants.
Layered Borders Along Fences or Walls
Plant dogwoods backed by vertical structures like fences, trellises, or stone walls. The layered effect looks especially striking when they’re in bloom. Underplant with lower-growing perennials and groundcovers.
Woodland Edge Transition Planting
Use dogwoods to create a graceful transition zone along the edges of wooded areas. Combining with native azaleas, ferns, and wildflowers enhances the natural effect. Dogwoods help connect the landscape visually.
Container Planting for Patios and Entryways
Select compact and dwarf dogwood varieties well-suited for pots and planters. Position near seating areas, gates, or front entrances to add seasonal color and natural charm. Provide well-drained soil and regular watering.
Edible Landscaping with Fruited Varieties
Some dogwood species produce edible fruits that attract birds. Plant these in dual purpose edible landscapes combined with fruit trees, berries, and ornamental edibles. Examples include cornelian cherry, bunchberry, and pagoda dogwood.
Design Tips for Showcasing Dogwoods
Follow these tips to ensure your dogwood thrives and stands out as a focal point:
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Properly prepare the planting site based on soil, sun, and drainage requirements.
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Use mulch around the tree to maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
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Prune selectively to enhance the tree’s natural shape and growth habit.
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Strategically place companion plants, hardscapes and garden art to complement it.
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Illuminate specimens near patios or entries with landscape lighting.
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Water regularly until the tree establishes an extensive root system.
With their multidimensional appeal and versatility, dogwood trees are one of the most rewarding choices for gardens large and small. Use these design ideas as inspiration to highlight dogwoods in your own landscape. Let their beauty shine in your outdoor space!
Portland Landscape Designer Appreciates Diversity of Dogwood Trees
The diversity of dogwoods is well illustrated by these two trees: Cornus Kousa ‘Summer Gold’ and Cornus Controversa ‘June Snow’.
Colorful Summer Privacy Tree for Small Properties – Korean Dogwood ‘Summer Gold’
I love ‘Summer Gold’ partially because it’s so different from other dogwoods. ‘Summer Gold’ has narrow bright green and gold leaves and an upright narrow shape. The shape fits into urban settings much better than a round headed typical dogwood. The foliage will be a delight from spring into fall and this tree is a narrow vase shape perfect to put between your patio and the neighbors to achieve attractive privacy.
Traditional dogwoods (Cornus Florida and Cornus Kousa) have a wide oval solid green leaf and a 20′ or more wide round canopy. ‘Summer Gold’ was created by local Crispin Silva who is a delight. His curiosity and enthusiasm about plants has inspired many people in Portland including me. People here refer to his plants as “Crispin’s Creations”.
Venus Dogwood – Flowering Tree – Landscaping Ideas, Eichenlaub
FAQ
What pairs well with a dogwood tree?
Combine with companion plants: Plant your dogwood tree alongside shade-loving plants like hostas, ferns, astilbes, or hydrangeas. This will create a visually interesting and diverse garden space. Be mindful of the plants’ growth habits and spacing needs to ensure all plants thrive.
What is the hidden downside to planting a dogwood tree in your yard?
Dogwoods are especially prone to pests when their health is already suffering from leaf spot, twig blight, canker, or a fatal ailment such as dogwood anthracnose. Vulnerabilities like these make dogwoods hard to keep alive, plus they’re fussy about sunlight and water.
What does Epsom salt do for dogwood trees?
Epsom salts contain magnesium, which can be a beneficial nutrient for a dogwood tree as it promotes chlorophyll production.
How close to house to plant dogwood tree?
Plant your Dogwood tree about 15-20 feet away from your home or any fencing. This distance provides enough room for the tree’s mature canopy and protects the roots from any underground home utilities.