Dogwoods

[Tara]

I just got a red and a grey dogwood shrub. I planted them near the road to hopefully block cars one day. I have heard sometimes leaves can get scarce and they should be cut back to the ground now and then but I want them as big as they can grow and leafy too. Are there any tips for me? Maybe a little pruning is necessary. Also what do I do to fertilize them, is compost around the trunk okay?

[KeyWee]

Tara! I have about 10 of these shrubs in my yard (I put them there because I love them). Yes, I prune mine a little, as needed, but I have never cut them back to the ground. My biggest one is 6 years old and is around five feet tall. I only trim mine when they get some "spindly" looking branches on them. Wood chips around the base of each one and an occasional shot of "Miracle Gro" and not much else. They are pretty low maintenance.
Good luck!
Kel

[Tara]

Thanks Kelly. They sound fast growing, one of mine was 2 1/2 feet tall and bushy and the other is 5 ft tall but slender. I am hoping to mix them with some forsythia and some other shrubs for a block all across the front yard.