sick dogwood - Ask Extension
Very recently (two-three weeks ago) I noticed that my wonderful dogwood looked sick. I got close and saw the leaves were turning black, and some were...
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sick dogwood #658199
Asked June 30, 2020, 3:29 PM EDT
Very recently (two-three weeks ago) I noticed that my wonderful dogwood looked sick. I got close and saw the leaves were turning black, and some were totally black. It was planted last fall by a landscaping company, and it looked great until recently. There are some plants with tiny blue flowers that grew up under it, just in the last few weeks. I don't know if there is a connection. The previous owner of this property had a circular area looking like a tree had been there before. These tiny blue flowers grew up in this same area, so they are right under the new dogwood tree. I have taken off the full black leaves that I could reach. What is wrong? I tried to send pictures from my phone, but I could not get it to work. Thank you for any help. 2431 Swartwout Ave, Henrico
Henrico County Virginia
Expert Response
Thank you for your question. A picture would be very helpful in understanding more of what is going on. You can email a picture directly to me at <personal data hidden>.
The blue flowers underneath are not causing the foliage of the dogwood to turn black.
With the description of the leaves turning black and that this is a newly planted tree and it has happened recently when the weather changed, I'm leaning towards believing that the plant is not being watered properly. Can you describe how you are watering it?
Since last fall, I haven't watered it. Not in the last few days , but in the last few weeks , we have had a couple of hard rainstorms. How much extra should I water it? And should I dig up the greenery below the tree? Is it too late?? Marlene
It is most likely lack of water. We had a very wet spring and then we had very hot weather. Even though we did have some storms, the amount of rain came quickly and probably did not soak deep into the ground. Newly planted trees and shrubs typically need to be watered regularly through their first year. Also the pictures make it appear that the tree is in full sun. Dogwood trees do not do well in full sun. They prefer part shade.
This webpage provides good detail on how to determine how much to water. https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/watering-newly-planted-trees-and-shrubs .
You can remove the blue flower as it is competing with the tree for moisture. With proper watering, the tree should recover. Do not remove any leaves. Leave them on until they fall naturally.
pictures submitted via email.
Oh wow. Someone told me to remove the black leaves because they were "diseased." Thank you for your help. I don't know--how much watering? Every day? Every other day? Could I end up giving it too much water?
It is in full hot sun in the afternoon, but not morning.
It is in full hot sun in the afternoon, but not morning.
I just saw your webpage for the watering. Thank you.
No the leaves are not diseased. And with some green left in them, they are still producing food for the plant. So don't remove. Allow them to fall by themselves.
Thank you bunches!!
