Dogwood Tree Problems

Eliminate stress factors for a healthy dogwood tree.

Dogwood trees are susceptible to a wide range of problems, especially when stressed. Identify and eliminate as many stress factors as possible for a healthy, disease- and insect-resistant tree.

Requirements

Dogwood trees like a cool, moist soil with plenty of organic material. They grows best in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 5 through 9, although late frosts sometimes kill the flowers in zone 5. Providing these simple requirements is the first step toward a problem-free tree.

Pollution

Dogwood trees should not be planted near roads because they don't tolerate pollution or road salts. Heat radiating from paved surfaces warms the soil around the roots causing additional stress.

Watering

Once established, dogwoods can withstand moderate drought, but the tree becomes stressed during prolonged drought or when drought is accompanied by excessive heat. Deep watering helps relieves the stress.

Diseases

The most serious disease of dogwood trees is anthracnose. Stressed trees are also susceptible to leaf spot, crown canker, root rot and blight.

Insects

Stressed dogwood trees become vulnerable to borers, leaf miners and scale insects.

References

• Missouri Botanical Garden: Cronus florida
• University of Connecticut Plant Database: Cronus florida
• Floridata: Cornus florida