Dogwood trees are beloved for their showy spring bloom and attractive foliage . But sometimes these ornamental tree struggle to boom , exhibit preindication of decay like scant folio growth , all in branches , floater on leaves or wilted flowers .
1. Evaluate Symptoms to Identify the Cause
The first step in revive your trouble dogwood is to intimately examine it for symptoms and stress to pinpoint the issue causing its decline , Common dogwood tree diagram problems include
Anthracnose fungus – Causes leaf spots , defoliation , numb twigs . particularly active in cool , wet weather .
Powdery mildew – Coats go away and stems with ashen powdery gist that can lead to folio curl and fall . favour high-pitched humidity .
stem rot – Leaves wilt and branches pop off back . Roots look blackened or rotten when dug up . due to to a fault soaked soil .
Borers – Leaves sparse or stunted . Wet spots or cakehole in bark with sawdust - like frass . Tunneling under barque .
drouth strain – wilt , scorched leaf boundary and dieback . More unwashed in live , wry conditions .
identify the reason grant you to cut your revitalization methods accordingly . Contact an tree surgeon if you are unsure of the issue .
2. Improve Site Conditions
Dogwoods are understory Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that thrive in partially shady billet with well - draining , acidulous dirt . ensure your tree diagram ’s emplacement and develop weather condition are optimal :
Move to a site with morning sun and afternoon ghost if overweening sun singe is an issue .
amend drainage by building a berm or planting on a side if soggy soil is suspected .
low stain pH by amalgamate in primary sulfur if needed . try out grease pH each year .
assure a 2 - 4 inch bed of mulch to keep moisture and bring organic matter . Keep mulch a few inches from the trunk .
Check that tree is getting 1 - 2 inches of water per workweek from rain or irrigation .
3. Prune Properly
Sterilize pruners between cutting with diluted bleach solvent to prevent disease spread .
Remove all dead or buy the farm branchlet and branch back to healthy wood .
Prune in former winter to avoid accidentally removing next spring ’s flower buds .
Disinfect large pruning wounds with Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree paint .
Remove sucker growth spud from the rootstock .
Remove pocket-sized branches and increase airflow if anthracnose is present .
Take a bourgeois approach when pruning live wood to avoid unneeded strain . The goal is to remove dead / diseased portion while keeping healthy stem turn .
4. Apply Fungicide if Needed
If your dogwood is suffering from a fungal matter like anthracnose , powdery mould or leaf spot , treatment with a fungicide spray may help curb the trouble .
Apply when buds break opened in spring as a preventive measure against anthracnose .
Repeat covering every 7 - 14 days following label counseling if disease is already fighting .
Target leaf undersides exhaustively with spray for best results .
Switch between fungicide stratum to avoid resistance .
Always follow label safety and lotion instruction .
compound fungicide sprays with diligent sanitisation pruning offers the best controller against fungous diseases impacting cornel .
5. Use Insecticides for Pest Problems
dogwood tree rock drill , scales , and other chewing or sucking insects can lento weaken tree . Insecticidal ascendancy options include :
Covering lower automobile trunk with protective gunny wrap .
hold systemic insecticide as a soil drench to poison borer .
spray insecticidal soap or neem oil on foliage to check diffused - bodied pestilence .
Using faint horticultural oil abeyant spray for overwintering scales .
Repeating applications as directed until infestation subsides .
As with fungicide , carefully follow all insecticide label teaching to avoid environmental and personal hazard . immix with argus-eyed monitoring and pruning of affected branches for good pest control .
Bonus Tip: Consider Fertilizing
keep off over - feed dogwood tree , but some supplemental nutrients can help rush along recuperation in struggling specimens .
practice a balanced , slow - release fertilizer in former natural spring follow label rate .
Top dress annually with compost or aged manure to enrich soil .
Boost micronutrients by spraying leaves with kelp infusion or compost tea .
With prompt diagnosis and a customized treatment plan , you may often nurse ailing dogwood Tree back to full health . Pay stuffy tending to their needs , and your efforts will be rewarded with more vigorous increment and glorious flower in seasons to fall !
Frequently Asked Questions About Reviving Dogwood Trees
How can I tell if my dogwood tree is dying?
decline dogwood Tree show symptoms like small folio , thin foliation , deadened ramification , spotty or curl leaves , early fall colour , stunted growth , and deficiency of dynamism or blossom . act quickly at the first signs of worry .
What is the fastest way to revive a dying dogwood tree?
Improving moisture and pruning out dead wood are two fast way to help a distressed cornel . Make trusted it gets 1 - 2 inches of water supply per week and remove all dead / diseased branches back to healthy wood .
Should you cut back a dying dogwood tree?
Yes , cut back back dead and break ramification can help revive a struggling cornel . Always desex tool between cut and prune in late wintertime to avert take away next year ’s efflorescence buds . Take a conservative approach when pruning live wood .
How do I know if my dogwood tree needs fertilizer?
sign a dogwood tree may need fertilizer include little leaves , curt twig outgrowth , sluttish unripened foliage , or shrink unfolding . Apply a balanced , tiresome - release fertilizer in early springtime following recording label rate if these deficiency symptom appear .
Is there any hope for a dying dogwood tree?
Often , yes ! Even cornel Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree in descent can be nurse back to health with a customized treatment plan addressing the underlying issues impacting their zip . With prompt care like improved maturate conditions , right pruning , disease direction and occasional fertilisation , recovery is very possible .
