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Pruning red twig dogwood

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From: Elaine Pool City: Woodinville, WA
I have a red twig dogwood that did fine for a couple of years. Last year I may have pruned it too much or maybe it doesn't get enough sun. It now has only one live branch going straight up. Should I cut it all completely to the ground or leave the one branch which is about 3' high but has no leaves yet? Thanks.
	Extension Message From: Richard Hentschel Extension Educator, Horticulture DuPage/Kane/Kendall Unit hentsche@illinois.edu
Renovation pruning is most successful when the plants are healthy and strong. Pruning off the remaining living branch could easily result in the death of dogwood. If the remaining branch is still flexible, there may be hope that it will leaf out late. If the plant has declined over time due to decreased sunlight, it may be dead. If the branch is brittle it is very likely already gone. Chose a replacement that can grow in your current sun shade setting.
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