How To Get Rid Of Dogwood

To get rid of dogwood, you’ll need a solid plan because these shrubs and trees can be stubborn once established.
 
Getting rid of dogwood isn’t a one-and-done job, but with the right methods, you can successfully remove dogwood from your yard for good.
 
Whether you’re dealing with flowering dogwood taking over your garden or the invasive red osier dogwood spreading along your fence line, knowing how to get rid of dogwood starts with understanding your specific situation.
 
In this post, we’ll break down the most effective ways to get rid of dogwood, from simple hand-pulling to herbicide application, so you can reclaim your landscape.
 
Let’s dig into the best strategies for removing dogwood and keeping it gone.
 

Why Getting Rid Of Dogwood Can Be Tricky

Dogwood has a robust root system that loves to regenerate, which is why getting rid of dogwood takes more than just cutting it down.
 
Even if you chop the trunk or stems, the roots remain alive underground and will happily send up new shoots.
 
This is especially true for shrub dogwoods, as they spread through suckers that pop up several feet away from the main plant.
 
So, if you want to know how to get rid of dogwood effectively, you must address both the visible growth and the hidden root network.
 
Here’s what makes dogwood removal challenging and what you can do about it.
 

1. Dogwood’s Root System Is Persistent

The root system of dogwood is fibrous and extensive, storing energy that fuels regrowth after cutting.
 
This is why getting rid of dogwood by just sawing down the trunk often results in a thicker cluster of sprouts within weeks.
 
For small infestations, you can dig out the entire root ball, but this requires serious elbow grease.
 
For larger patches, you’ll need a more systematic approach, like repeated cutting combined with herbicide treatment, to truly get rid of dogwood.
 

2. Dogwood Seeds Spread Quickly

Another reason you need to get rid of dogwood sooner rather than later is its prolific seed production.
 
Birds love dogwood berries, and after eating them, they deposit seeds far and wide.
 
This means new dogwood plants can appear in unexpected parts of your property, sometimes hundreds of feet from the parent plant.
 
To get rid of dogwood completely, you’ll need to watch for seedlings and pull them as soon as they sprout, which prevents the cycle from continuing.
 

Best Methods To Get Rid Of Dogwood

Now that you know why getting rid of dogwood is tough, let’s look at the most reliable methods you can use to get rid of dogwood in your yard.
 
Each method works best depending on the size of the plant and your comfort level with tools or chemicals.
 
Here are the top ways to get rid of dogwood.
 

1. Hand-Pulling And Digging Small Dogwood

For young dogwood seedlings or saplings under an inch in diameter, hand-pulling can be an effective way to get rid of dogwood.
 
The key is to pull them after a good rain when the soil is soft and loose, making it easier to remove the roots.
 
If the roots snap off, you’ll likely see regrowth, so dig down with a trowel to get the whole root system.
 
This method won’t work for mature dogwood, but it’s a great way to get rid of dogwood before it becomes a bigger problem.
 

2. Cutting And Mowing Dogwood

Regular cutting or mowing can eventually get rid of dogwood by depleting the roots’ energy reserves.
 
You see, every time you cut back the new growth, the plant has to use stored energy to regrow.
 
If you keep mowing or cutting weekly during the growing season, the roots will eventually starve and die.
 
This is a slow method to get rid of dogwood, but it’s chemical-free and effective for large areas covered in shrub dogwood.
 
Just be consistent, because if you stop too early, dogwood will bounce right back.
 

3. Applying Herbicide To Get Rid Of Dogwood

For larger dogwood trunks, the most efficient way to get rid of dogwood is with a targeted herbicide application.
 
The best method is the cut-stump treatment, where you cut the trunk close to the ground and immediately paint the fresh cut with a glyphosate or triclopyr herbicide.
 
This allows the chemical to travel down into the roots, killing the entire system so you don’t have to worry about regrowth.
 
Alternatively, you can use the hack-and-squirt method by making downward cuts in the bark and spraying herbicide into the wounds.
 
Always follow the label instructions, and you’ll successfully get rid of dogwood without harming nearby plants.
 

Preventing Dogwood From Coming Back

After you work hard to get rid of dogwood, you don’t want it to return, so prevention is your next step.
 
Getting rid of dogwood is only half the battle, as you must also change the conditions that allowed it to thrive.
 
Here’s how to keep dogwood from making an unwanted comeback.
 

1. Mulch And Ground Cover

Once you get rid of dogwood, cover the bare soil with a thick layer of mulch, like wood chips or cardboard.
 
This blocks sunlight from reaching any remaining seeds or root fragments.
 
Planting dense ground cover or grass can also crowd out new dogwood seedlings before they establish.
 
This proactive approach ensures you’ve truly gotten rid of dogwood for the long term.
 

2. Monitor Your Yard Regularly

Make it a habit to walk your property and look for any new dogwood shoots, especially near bird feeders or wooded edges.
 
The earlier you spot a new dogwood, the easier it is to get rid of dogwood before it spreads.
 
By staying vigilant, you can stop dogwood from becoming a recurring headache.
 

So, How Do You Get Rid Of Dogwood?

You get rid of dogwood by combining the right removal method with consistent follow-up.
 
To get rid of dogwood, start by digging up small plants, cutting down larger ones, and applying herbicide directly to the cut stumps.
 
There’s no magic bullet, but with persistence, you can successfully get rid of dogwood and prevent it from returning.
 
The best way to get rid of dogwood is to match your action to the size of the plant and stay on top of regrowth all season long.
 
Hope this guide helps you tackle your dogwood problem with confidence and gives you a clear path to a dogwood-free yard.