Dogwood tree dying - Ask Extension
I have a 15 ft dogwood tree in my yard that is rapidly dying. I moved into this house in March 2020. The dogwood produced leaves but did not bloom. ...
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Dogwood tree dying #672404
Asked August 03, 2020, 3:27 PM EDT
I have a 15 ft dogwood tree in my yard that is rapidly dying. I moved into this house in March 2020. The dogwood produced leaves but did not bloom. Now, in August all the leaves are drying up and dropping and the branches are brittle and falling off. The previous owner did tell me that he regularly used Roundup to kill weeds in this yard (for about 5 years.). Also dying are two azalea bushes next to the tree. Is the heavy, constant use of Roundup the reason for the problems with this tree and azaleas or could there be another reason? (Note: I water regularly). Can this tree be saved? Should I have the soil tested?
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
Without knowing the type of Dogwood tree that you inherited there are general comments to be made about this tree. It is very sensitive to environmental conditions and disturbances and the years of systemic use of Roundup could have taken its toll or at the least made it more susceptible to disease. The same issues may apply to the Azalea. Soil testing is something to consider. Check with A & L Western Agrcltrl. Labs 10220 SW Nimbus "9 Portland 97223 <personal data hidden>. Soil testing will alert you to any conditions that exist should you consider removing these plants and replacing them with more suitable ones for the site. You should also contacting local plant centers for their expert advice since chemical treatment any not result in success and they can advise about replacements.
You may be dealing with drought, poor planting techniques, planting too deeply, poor drainage, root issues, excessive mulch, etc. Branch dieback can be also attributed to cankers, anthracnose, powdery mildew, and insect issues.
Here is our dogwood publication for more information http://extension.umd.edu/sites/extension.umd.edu/files/_docs/programs/hgic/HGIC_Pubs/TreesandShrubs/...
You may be dealing with drought, poor planting techniques, planting too deeply, poor drainage, root issues, excessive mulch, etc. Branch dieback can be also attributed to cankers, anthracnose, powdery mildew, and insect issues.
Here is our dogwood publication for more information http://extension.umd.edu/sites/extension.umd.edu/files/_docs/programs/hgic/HGIC_Pubs/TreesandShrubs/...
