Dogwood Tree Leaf Problems
It is essential to determine the cause and preserve the energy gathering foliage.
Dogwood tree leaf problems. Dogwood leaf drop is not only an unsightly problem but it can spell doom for a plant due to reduced vigor. Mechanical injuries are most commonly caused by lawn mowers or string trimmers. Dogwood anthracnose is the most common disease that affects dogwood trees. Alternifolia the pagoda dogwood c.
Officinalis are also tolerant of a range of soil conditions. Dogwood leaf scorch leaf scorch is a common problem in dogwood tress and a sign that your tree is under water stress. Cercospora and septoria leaf spot caused by the. Symptoms begin on leaf borders with purplish blotches that eventually cover the leaf.
Mechanical and chemical injuries are other common dogwood tree problems. Dogwood plants need acidic well drained soil in full to partial shade. Dogwood anthracnose is one of the most common fungal diseases to attack this plant. In case of a mechanical injury remove the dead tissue with your fingers.
These gradually extend to the trunk of the tree with necrotic weeping areas. Controversa the wedding cake tree c. Other problems poor leaf color unhealthy plant growth twig dieback and even tree death are typical symptoms of distressed dogwoods. The disease discula destructiva causes leaf twig and branch dieback beginning in the lower part of the tree.
Kousa and hybrids of kousa and native dogwood c. Florida are resistant to anthracnose and decline and should be used to replace dying trees. Sanguinea cvs are unfussy about their soil conditions but they are able to thrive in damp conditions where other shrubs might fail. When a dogwood tree does not receive adequate water the leaves of the tree.
While kousa dogwoods are prized for their ability to resist many dangerous dogwood diseases they are still susceptible to infectious problems. Failure to provide these conditions will encourage disease and pest problems. Leaf and flower blight irregular brown wrinkled patches form on flower bracts and leaves in the spring. It starts out with blighted leaves showing purple margins and tan color around the edges of leaves.
Numerous small shoots may grow from the trunk. Caused by the fungus discula destructiva anthracnose thrives in moist shade. Secondary signs may include cankers on twigs and smaller branches. Do not pull off the bark or any other intact part of the tree around the infected area.
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.