By only removing 30 percent or less of the shrub.

Jun 27, Since the younger branches bear the brightest color, that is precisely the growth you want to encourage. Pruning Dogwood Shrubs.

Tips and Warnings.

Annual Pruning. Every year, in late winter, you'll want to remove about a third of the old, most faded stems from your Dogwood shrub, cutting them back to the ground. General Pruning Damaged Stems or Canes. If you notice damaged stems that might have been broken from kids playing or something hitting Diseased Stems or Canes.

He is an Organic Gardening Consultant and Founder of Grow-It-Organically, a website that teaches clients and students the ins and outs of organic vegetable gardening.

There are a few diseases that can attack the dogwood shrub. This will depend on where you Estimated Reading Time: 6 mins.