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dogwood disease? #423841

Asked August 28, 2017, 1:31 PM EDT

Hi, is this anthracnose on my dogwood? Anything I can do to save it besides noxious chemicals? If I have to cut off all branches where leaves have symptoms, then I have to cut down the whole tree. I noticed drooping leaves earlier this summer, and there were probably spots but I didn't pay attention until the leaves starting turning color. The tree is in morning and late afternoon shade. It is next to a house by arborvitae, a crabapple and another dogwood (that seems ok, so far). The soil conditions are not great, there was sewer work excavation done about 10 years ago. It was planted about that time. Does this spread to pawpaws? One is showing yellowing and some spots in middle of leaves. Photos of dogwood leaves (top and bottom) and pawpaw attached. Many thanks for your help, Eileen Schramm

Montgomery County Maryland

Expert Response

It does look like your dogwood might have some anthracnose, but at this point late in the season, we do not recommend any treatment. Paw paws do not get the same diseases as dogwoods. In fact, they don't have any major diseases. The symptom on the paw paw leaf looks like it might be a nutritional issue and/or possibly some sun scald -- nothing to be too concerned about.

With dogwood anthracnose, when disease pressure is severe, fungicides can be used on trees in the spring at bud break, followed by additional sprays every 10-14 days until the leaves are fully expanded. Again, at this point late in the season, we don't recommend any treatment.

https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/dogwood-anthracnose-discula-trees

ckc

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