Question
I planted a dogwood tree in a very sunny spot, what tips can you give me to really help it thrive? Do I need to add bone meal to the soil? Thanks

Answer
Add NOTHING without a Soil Test, my friend.  This is not fun, and no one wants to be bothered, but you will get a very neat little cheat sheet with all kinds of data that will dictate what IF ANYTHING you need to add to make your Dogwood a big, beautiful tree.

Tell me what state you live in and I'll tell you exactly who to ask for a Soil test.

While you're waiting for your Soil test results, I can tell you that regular applications of Harpin Protein, sold as 'Messenger' at your local garden center (or you can order it online), will accelerate the recovery from transplant shock.  Also, Espoma Co makes a line of Soil additives that cater to the kind of transplant you want to treat -- Trees get certain Mycorrhizae that boost nutrient levels and produce some dramatic results in growth and flowering.

Much better than Bone Meal.  Especially if your Soil has plenty of Phosphorus.  Remember, too much of certain nutrients can cause a shortage of others.  Know thy Soil.  Test it first.  Zipcode, please.

THE LONG ISLAND GARDENER