I'm considering planting a semi-mature Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) in a spot where I'd like to keep not wider then 23'. Flowering Dogwood trees can actually get to be about 33' wide.

I will plant it in partial shade, surrounded by trees on 3 sides, so it should behave a bit like a woodland form. I know someone who prunes his Flowering Dogwood and all of the branches that are pruned become floppy and weak and unhealthy - hard to describe.

Is there a way I can keep this tree from growing wider then 23' and yet not harm the trees branches which are pruned? Any one have experience doing this?

Thanks,
Steve