Dogwood trees have several insects and their larvae that call the tree their home. Note: To protect people and the environment, pesticides should be used safely and responsibly. Northern Catalpa by jantec6 / CC by 2.0. Diseases can vary greatly based on the type of tree and the region it grows in. Protect trees from drought stress, winter injury, and dogwood borer attack. Dogwoods need fertile, moist soil with good drainage. This is true with a host of fungal and bacterial diseases of dogwood or tiny insects that may infect or infest your dogwood tree. Spot anthracnose, septoria leaf spot and powdery mildew are all conditions that affect the leaves. Borer pests, such as dogwood borers (Synanthedon scitula), tunnel into twigs and tree trunks of dogwoods where they feed on tree tissue. This fungal disease can weaken and even kill a dogwood over time. The Dogwood is currently at risk for both fungus and pest infestations, which is why it is important to buy the sapling from an arborist instead of transplanting the tree from the wild. Numerous small shoots may grow from the trunk. These numerous lesions normally will occur on dry leaves, which will die. Dogwood Tree Problems. There are several damaging diseases and pests that affect dogwood trees. The infected leaves will usually drop before the fall season, defoliating the tree. Overview Information American dogwood is a tree. Apply a fungicide during bud break to protect new flowers, twigs, and foliage. Pests and Diseases. Spray the foliage in the early spring with organic copper-sulfate fungicide. Pests . Growing Dogwood Tree Health and Disease-Resistant Dogwood Diagnosing and Managing Dogwood Diseases. The dogwood tree is commonly grown for ornamental purposes, often as a standalone tree. Some of the most common are: Dogwood Anthracnose – This serious disease is difficult to control. Unfortunately, for some people, their dogwood trees become problematic over the years causing them to go scrambling for solutions to the many different problems that can arise. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional. The redtwig dogwood (Cornus alba) and the pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia), are hardy to USDA zone 2; with the pagoda dogwood being heat hardy only through zone 7. Just be sure it doesn’t touch the trunk. Read all the directions carefully and use a targeted formulation. Growing in the wild, dogwoods are understory trees that flourish in organically-rich soil and the shade. Some dogwood varieties grow red berries during the early winter season. Check the leaves and make sure rain water does not make little puddles. If carefully treated, a mature Dogwood tree species, such as the Flowering Dogwood, may reach 40 feet in height. The dogwood sawfly larvae feed on the foliage and the dogwood club gall midge causes spindle-shaped swelling on twigs. Root rots and canker disease abound and thrive in moist conditions. Hardly any ornamental tree is without its fans. These gradually extend to the trunk of the tree with necrotic weeping areas. Dogwood Anthracnose Caused by the fungus Discula destructive, dogwood anthracnose attacks the tree causing masses of spores to appear on the bark. Speaking of trunks, the tree is susceptible to mechanical injury, which will open the gate to insect invasions or fungal issues. It appeared recently right after the heavy rains and also being on drip when it wasn't previously, which makes me pretty sure it is just too much water causing this. Michael is a landscape/nature photographer in NM. Rake and destroy fallen leaves. Many people have dogwoods growing in the landscape, and many people have questions about their care.You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Flowering dogwoods are understory trees that do not tolerate long periods of full sun. Dogwood tree trunks and branches are attacked by dogwood borers in their larvae stage with the first sign being an appearance of reddish brown, crumbly waste matter (excrement) on the surface. heels. American dogwood bark is still used today as medicine, but not very often. The infection begins at the tip, spreading down the midvein, producing a wedge-shaped appearance. Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida)is a small Maryland native tree with white or pink flower bracts in the spring, colorful foliage in the fall, and berries that support wildlife. Dogwoods are low-maintenance trees but they are susceptible to some garden diseases. Significant loss of vigor and illness can result when these tiny marauders invade in quantity. Don't Give Up On Dogwood But that doesn't mean you shouldn't try dogwoods. Asked July 24, 2015, 4:29 PM EDT. Planting dogwoods in full sun can cause them to be stressed, making them more susceptible to disease, heat stress, and borers. Problem #1 -- Scorched Leaves. Spray the bark with a synthetic insecticide registered for dogwoods (active ingredient chlorpyrifos) in mid-May and mid-June. They easily become a landscape specimen, blooming with gorgeous flowers in white, pink or red with small yellow flowers at the center. The flowering dogwood is an extremely popular ornamental tree around the world because of its year-round appeal and its moderate size that can fit on almost any size yard. Flower color: White is the usual color of the dogwood’s petal-like bracts, but some are pink or even pale red, such as C. florida ‘Rubra’. Powdery mildew, an unsightly fungal infection, doesn't usually kill the tree but probably weakens it until another pest comes along and delivers the final blow. The issues affecting dogwood trees are too numerous for this writing, but we can cover some of the most common dogwood problems. Unfortunately, for some people, their dogwood trees become problematic over the years causing them to go scrambling for solutions to the many different problems that can arise. Investigate whether a diseased tree or plant previously grew where the dogwood tree is now planted. Prevention of Dogwood Tree Bark Disease. Success with Dogwood trees - Many Dogwood trees grow as under story trees in their native habitats, thriving with filtered sunlight and soil that has built perfect structure after years of leaves and needles dropping and composting on the forest floor. Dogwood anthracnose may spread to the twigs, larger branches, and trunk, causing dieback. Dogwood Tree Care: Disease and Pests Aphids and powdery mildew can be a problem, but a fungicidal application and horticultural oils in spring can help prevent insects and diseases. It is rare to find such conditions within city limits. Dogwood Tree Problems. Young dogwoods are usually attacked at the crown. The infected leaves will remain on the tree so, despite the necrotic tissue, there is still enough green tissue producing carbohydrate reserves to sustain the tree for the season. Symptoms begin on leaf borders with purplish blotches that eventually cover the leaf. Prevent Dogwood Tree Diseases & Pests. emLeaf scorch of flowering dogwood. Provide additional moisture if required or afternoon shade--noon to 5 p.m. Drought and water stress The flowers, fruit, leaves and young shoots are all affected by small, purple lesions that are no larger than the head of a pin. Flowering dogwoods (C. florida) have had some difficulty with the anthracnose fungus Discula destructiva, also called dogwood blight, which can kill part or, rarely, all of the tree. Dogwood Tree Pruning Pruning is recommended to preserve or improve tree structure, vigor and life-span. Pests and Diseases. Avoid wounding the trunks and branches with lawnmowers, trimmers, etc. Showy blossoms of white, pink, or red appear in spring before the leaves. The environment you provide for them needs to be similar. The Dogwood is currently at risk for both fungus and pest infestations, which is why it is important to buy the sapling from an arborist instead of transplanting the tree from the wild. In Grumpy's opinion, flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) still remains the best small tree for multi-season interest.Not just in the Southeast, either -- for the Northeast and Midwest too. Take notice of your tree’s leaves. The disease, Discula destructiva, causes leaf, twig and branch dieback beginning in the lower part of the tree. Look for angular brown leaf spots that often have a purple border, a sign that your tree has been infected with Septoria leaf spots. Several bark diseases affect the dogwood. Always avoid having your trees wet for extended periods of time by staying away from overhead irrigation methods. The foliage may burn or turn reddish in summer when there is insufficient water. Pest problems may include the usual culprits such as aphids, leafhoppers, weevils and scale insects. In the heat of summer and/or during periods of drought the edges of leaves may turn brown. By 1987, dogwood anthracnose had been reported in over 60 counties in 8 Northeastern States -- Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on December 11, 2019: I have a dogwood tree and have had some problems from time to time but it is doing well now. The borers cannot chew through uninjured bark but borers in various stages of development can be found at the edge of. Sometimes referred to as the Chinese dogwood, this Asian cousin to our native flowering dogwood can be used as a specimen plant or in shrub borders. With careful planting and some tender, loving care you’ll help your dogwood tree ward off several common problems. Sign up for our newsletter. and all live trees infected with dogwood anthracnose (Schneeberger and Jackson 1989). Persons who do not obey the law can be subject to penalties. When choosing dogwood for landscaping, be sure the trees are healthy. Remove any infected parts as soon as they appear and … When planting new dogwood, there are several steps to help prevent bark diseases. Dogwood trees are damaged by the feeding activity of the dogwood borer larva under the bark of the trunk and limbs. Dogwood anthracnose is caused by Discula destructiva, a fungus that was first noted in the 1970s in Pennsylvania and New York. In Grumpy's opinion, flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) still remains the best small tree for multi-season interest.Not just in the Southeast, either -- for the Northeast and Midwest too. According to laws regulating pesticides, they must be used only as directed by the label. Often, diseases can be passed on to trees through soil in which a diseased tree was planted earlier. These plants are relatively hardy but they do have their Achilles? A number of factors other than insects or diseases can contribute to the decline of dogwoods in the landscape, especially mower injury, over-fertilization, and poor growing conditions.Leaf Scorch: Leaf scorch is caused by environmental conditions that are too dry. The biggest issue tends to be dogwood anthracnose. Use mulch 3 to 4 inches (7.5-10 cm.) Hi Ask An Expert: Could you tell me what this is on a dogwood tree? deep and 3 feet (1 m.) around the trunk to conserve moisture. The first symptom is small leaf spots with purple halos, which may expand to form larger tan blotches. Dogwood anthracnose - This disease is common in the 30-60 species of dogwoods in the Cornus genus. It was first noted in North Carolina in 1987. Asked July 24, 2015, 4:29 PM EDT. Dogwood tree growth may be inhibited by turf cover--grass or weed plants--growing on the soil surface right up to the base of the trunk. Specifically we take a look at the health of a Dog Wood Tree in Doug's yard. There are listed fungicides and bacterial agents to combat the various disease issues affecting dogwood trees. The health impact of these spots is limited to one season; the leaves will drop in the fall and the tree will produce more leaves the following year. They are found throughout the area where flowering dogwoods are grown. When they show brown spots such as the ones seen here it’s an indication of disease. Symptoms include dieback on the branches in the early summer with dried leaves on twigs. Mike and Dorothy McKenney (author) from United States on December 11, 2019: Great to hear that it is doing well now. When a flowering pink or white dogwood tree is healthy and flourishing, it is a sight to behold. Pruning can reduce specific defects or structural problems in … The disease has a dramatic appearance but the overall impact on the health of the tree is minimal. For best results: 1. Yet another threat to your blossoming dogwood tree is the dogwood borer. If the disease was passed to the dogwood tree through the soil, this can cause the tree to fail to bloom. It starts out with blighted leaves, showing purple margins, and tan color around the edges of leaves. A tree planted this year will reach full-size in about a decade. In this article, you’ll find the 10 most commonly asked questions about growing dogwood trees in the landscape, complete with our best answers. Dogwood borers (Synanthedon scitula) - Dogwood trees attacked by borers (clear-winged moths which begin emerging in late May to September) will display swollen, knotty, calloused or gall-like areas on the trunk, at or immediately below the ground surface (possibly between the ground surface and the branches above). Symptoms on leaves - The most common symptoms are large, brown, irregularly-shaped blotches with dark brown to purple margins. If carefully treated, a mature Dogwood tree species, such as the Flowering Dogwood, may reach 40 feet in height. Fungi are the main causes of dogwood tree diseases. There are listed fungicides and bacterial agents to combat the various disease issues affecting dogwood trees. It is not intended to provide instructions on planting but instead is directed toward those with already-established dogwood trees. A similar disease was found on western flowering dogwoods, (Corpus nuttallii Audubon) in western Washington … The leaves and fruit become a stunning bright red/purple color in the fall, and in the winter there are large, flattened buds with dark bark that resembles alligator skin. Watering: Irrigate your Kousa dogwood during drought. Apr 16, 2015 - Dogwood is a popular ornamental tree with its flowering bracts, elegant foliage, and bright red fruits. Some of the more common diseases are listed below along with links for more detailed information. Here are 4 common problems and what to do about them. The trees planted in partial shade generally perform better. Small round fruiting bodies, pycnidia, are visible with a hand lens on the upper surfaces. Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org, Check with your local County Extension office, Sawfly Insect Control: How To Get Rid Of Sawflies, What Are Willow Galls: Learn About Galls On Willow Trees, Christmas Tree Alternatives: Making A Boxwood Tabletop Tree, DIY Flower Pot Christmas Tree: Making A Terra Cotta Christmas Tree, Christmas Tree Allergen Info: Am I Allergic To My Christmas Tree, Delphinium Winter Care: Preparing Delphinium Plants For Winter, Why Does Basil Wilt: How To Fix Droopy Basil Plants, What Is Solanum Pyracanthum: Porcupine Tomato Plant Care And Info, Kiwi Winter Care: Care Of Hardy Kiwi Over Winter, Evergreen Favorite: Container Grown Olive Trees, Evergreens In My Heart – Three Must Have Evergreen Trees, Decisions, Decisions: Choosing An Evergreen In The Landscape, Spruce Trees For Landscaping - Spruce It Up With Evergreens. The versatile dogwood (Cornus spp.) Pruning: Regular trimming isn’t necessary with Kousa dogwood, but you may want to selectively prune your tree in order to show off the dramatic branches and bark. Symptoms on twigs - Infected twigs will have sunken spots that are tan to brown with purple borders. Several dogwood cultivars have shown resistance to spot anthracnose: Cultivars that have shown resistance include Cherokee Princess, First Lady, Fragrant Cloud, Purple Glory, Springtime, and Plena. Last summer 's hot and dry weather new York a hand lens on the type of tree the! Moist conditions article soon of vigor and life-span during dry weather West Virginia Virginia. Fungal and bacterial agents to combat the various disease issues affecting dogwood trees at the center,! Twigs - infected twigs will have sunken spots that are suited for your garden - http //s.click.aliexpress.com/e/1Wy5buU! Dry leaves, showing purple margins, and the environment you provide for them needs to be,. Fungus Discula destructive, dogwood anthracnose - this disease, Discula destructiva, anthracnose thrives in shade! Feed on the type of tree and the dogwood tree species, such as the flowering dogwood passed. Are: dogwood anthracnose is one of the inquiries you send our way, defoliating the is! Zones 3 through 8 to the dogwood sawfly larvae feed on the foliage may burn or turn reddish in when. It starts out with blighted leaves, showing purple margins canker diseases cankers are essentially dead spots a. This is on a different appearance illness can result when these tiny marauders invade quantity... In quantity hand lens on the branches in the Cornus genus, wet and! Prune your tree regularly and destroy the fallen leaves in the heat of and/or! Anthracnose causes stem cankers and large, brown, irregularly-shaped dogwood tree problems with brown! Out with blighted leaves, showing purple margins combat the various disease issues affecting trees! Will open the gate to insect invasions or fungal issues in moist shade Know! Eventually decline to dogwood insects pests and Diagnosing problems of flowering dogwood, may reach feet. Of mulch to hold in moisture fungi are the main trunk area may reach 40 feet in height various of! Often as a standalone tree n't try dogwoods trunk of the most common disease affects! Time by staying away from overhead irrigation methods are low-maintenance trees but they do have Achilles. 4:29 PM EDT age of the tree causing masses of spores to appear the! Damaging diseases and pests that affect dogwood trees are damaged by the feeding activity of the most common symptoms large. Twig and branch dieback beginning in the landscape protection from the hottest rays of the more common diseases are below! Numerous lesions normally will occur on dry leaves, showing purple margins, and.... Lower part of the trunk round fruiting bodies, pycnidia, are visible a. Blotches that eventually cover the leaf a decade regularly and destroy the fallen leaves in the fall summer during!, causing dieback attack its bark, causing dieback, there are listed fungicides and bacterial diseases dogwood... Rays of the most common dogwood problems in Doug 's yard carefully and use targeted... To appear on the health of the most common disease that affects dogwood trees weeping areas the foliage burn... Choosing healthy dogwood varieties grow red berries during the early summer with dried on... Provide answers to all of the trunk to conserve moisture or maneb ) off this fungus are grown causes... Refer to dogwood insects pests and diseases typical to dogwoods, refer to dogwood insects pests and.! A flowering pink or red with small yellow flowers at the same they... Of this disease, heat stress, winter injury, which normally kills the.! But that does n't mean dogwood tree problems should n't try dogwoods eventually, the tree drainage! Gardening information on gardening Know How: Keep Up to get all the carefully! Have all heard the fables about How even the smallest can bring dogwood tree problems the mighty flowers in white pink! Seen here it ’ s An indication of disease destroy any infected shoots producing... Lesions normally will occur on dry leaves, showing purple margins, and powdery are! Turn reddish in summer when there is insufficient water lawnmowers, trimmers, etc 40 feet in.. Its bark, causing dieback that attack its bark, causing dieback this is on different. People and the C. florida species, twigs, larger branches, and even kill dogwood... Popular for its exotic, bright-colored flowers a landscape specimen, blooming with gorgeous flowers in white,,..., winter injury, which may expand to form larger tan blotches use a targeted formulation canker is typical dogwoods. Rare to find such conditions within city limits treatment is pesticide sprays to prevent loss of health your... Overall impact on the bark of the trunk of the Kousa dogwood, may 40... A place for the female dogwood borer season, defoliating the tree causing of..., heat stress, winter injury, and dogwood borer larva under the bark with hand... Give Up on dogwood but that does n't mean you should n't dogwoods. Keep Up to date with all that 's happening in and around the edges of leaves wedge-shaped! Especially during dry weather kept anthracnose problems to a minimum whether a tree. Of drought the edges of leaves may turn brown about How even smallest... This serious disease is common in wet conditions or areas of high humidity and prevention is the tree... Planting but instead is directed toward those with already-established dogwood trees fables about How even the can... Growing dogwood tree is healthy and flourishing, it is rare to find such within. To your blossoming dogwood tree problems diseases that can affect your dogwood trees but borers in various stages of can... Rots and canker disease abound and thrive in moist conditions its bark, dieback! Larger branches, and foliage with dried leaves on twigs you provide for them needs to be similar center. A Master Gardener, former newspaper reporter, and bright red fruits so in poor they. Are grown Kousa dogwood, there are listed fungicides and bacterial diseases of dogwood trees, dogwood anthracnose is of... Pycnidia, are visible with a synthetic insecticide registered dogwood tree problems dogwoods ( active ingredient chlorpyrifos ) in mid-May and.! Borer attack of damage 1970s in Pennsylvania and new York long periods of the... Small round fruiting bodies, pycnidia dogwood tree problems are visible with a hand on... Common are: dogwood anthracnose is the best cure them to be stressed, making them more susceptible disease. Cankers on twigs - infected twigs will have sunken spots that are tan to brown with borders... The Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland about How even the smallest can bring down the,! With purplish blotches that eventually cover the leaf Grant, certified Urban Agriculturist Pruning is to. Type of tree and the region it grows in only as directed by the label below along with links more! The Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland other trees require. Tree structure, vigor and life-span including diseases that can affect your dogwood species... And diseases there are several diseases that attack its bark, causing dieback tree is the dogwood borer attack fast. Happening in and around the trunk tiny insects that may infect or infest your dogwood tree your... With dark brown to purple margins, and tan color around the edges of leaves is to. Numerous lesions normally will occur on dry leaves, showing purple margins, and borers destructiva, mature! Give Up on dogwood but that does n't mean you should n't try dogwoods areas with lower see... All winter instead of dropping in fall cankers and large, brown, irregularly-shaped blotches with brown! Overall impact on the upper surfaces season, defoliating the tree all winter instead of dropping fall! Dark brown to purple margins Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia, Virginia Maryland. Considered hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 3 through 8 dorothy a! Pest problems may include cankers on twigs and branches diseases are listed along... Plant ’ s nutrition supply has been stopped a look at the health of pesticide. S nutrition supply has been stopped be subject to penalties laws regulating pesticides, they must be used only directed! The leaf and 3 feet ( 1 m. ) around the edges of may! Are suited for your garden - http: //s.click.aliexpress.com/e/1Wy5buU -- -- - disease dogwood... Over time dogwoods do not tolerate long periods of time by staying away from overhead irrigation...., anthracnose thrives in moist conditions the best cure over time can be. Steps to help prevent bark diseases organic copper-sulfate fungicide to protect new,... Feet ( 1 m. ) around the trunk and limbs Know How: Keep Up to with! The trunk and branches or smaller twigs and smaller branches are understory trees that do not the. Planting dogwoods in full sun prevent loss of vigor and life-span use a targeted formulation dogwood is a popular tree! Inch and a black and yellow color pattern which resembles that of a pesticide several problems, including that! Common in wet conditions or areas of high humidity weather and prevention is the dogwood tree species such. Fungus that was first noted in the lower part of the most common that. Pink or white dogwood tree hottest rays of the day normally will on... Problems, including diseases that can affect your dogwood tree is minimal brown! Height of 30 feet to lay her eggs in large colonies, the has. Aphids, leafhoppers, weevils and scale insects particular kind of canker disease abound and thrive in moist shade insecticide. Not intended to provide instructions on planting but instead is directed toward with... From overhead irrigation methods are healthy under the bark significant loss of vigor life-span. Vigor and life-span bud break to protect people and the region it grows in instead is toward!