I don't think dogwoods are nearly as hard to transplant as some other types of trees. Maybe they are not as easy as some. In this case (where the tree was only planted last year), I think it will be easier to move than a field grown specimen. Here is a rough/generic rootball size guide for transplanting trees and shrubs. Soil type, tree species, and other factors are not taken into account, but it will give you an idea: For trunk diameter below 1/2", multiply the diameter by 20 to get approximate rootball diameter. For trunk diameter between 1/2" and 1", multiply the diameter by 18 to get approximate rootball diameter. For trunk diameter between 1" and 1-1/2", multiply the diameter by 16 to get approximate rootball diameter. For trunk diameter between 1-1/2" and 2-1/2", multiply the diameter by 14 to get approximate rootball diameter. For trunk diameter between 2-1/2" and 4", multiply the diameter by 12 to get approximate rootball diameter. Here are guidelines for rootball depth: For a rootball with a diameter of 1', depth should be approximately 8". For a rootball with a diameter of 2', depth should be approximately 1'. For a rootball with a diameter of 3', depth should be approximately 15". For a rootball with a diameter of 4', depth should be approximately 18".

Actually, now knowing that they are Johnsonii, I would have divided them. They produce offsets quite readily. You should be able to plant them in the ground in Louisianna without any problems. They are quite hardy in your zone. These jewels are so hardy that you can transplant them any time that you wish. If the leaves die back, you should remove them because decaying leaves may attract problems of whatever sort. You should plant them with their necks about the surface of the soil, but you should not be surprised when you see the neck disappear in the winter. These bulbs tend to pull themself downward, and you will usually see tips of leaves before you see a scape. Congratulations! Johnsonii is one of my all time favorites!!

Are you saying that you prefer to dig the hole 2.5 feet deeper than your original root system instead of pruning? That sounds like a very deep wide hole? How many people are gonna be involved in the digging? Why is it too tall? Are you trying to lower the branches for fruit picking?

Curious indeed. I have 2000 plants, 16 varieties and there are occasional errant summer blooms. They never set fruit though. One plant consistently blooms heavily in September, I sent a photo to Fall Creek Nursery where I bought the plants-they had no explanation. I considered digging it up and moving it in the greenhouse for winter fruit??