Question about dogwood tree - Ask Extension
My dogwood tree on natural pond in Sartell didn't come back this Spring with full leaves and branches. Is it related to the drought last year or shou...
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Question about dogwood tree #805237
Asked August 08, 2022, 1:52 PM EDT
My dogwood tree on natural pond in Sartell didn't come back this Spring with full leaves and branches. Is it related to the drought last year or should I cut it down this Fall?
Stearns County Minnesota
Expert Response
Read the attached link, and compare the photos and described symptoms with what you are seeing in your dogwood. If none of those apply, the answer may well be our hot dry windy weather. Give your dogwood a chance to come back stronger next spring before cutting it down.
https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/dogwood/branchesdeadordying.html
https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/dogwood/branchesdeadordying.html
I have attached additional pictures of my dogwood tree.
From: askextension=<personal data hidden> <askextension=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Tuesday, August 9, 2022 3:23:05 PM
To: dsufka <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Question about dogwood tree (#0075168)
Sent: Tuesday, August 9, 2022 3:23:05 PM
To: dsufka <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Question about dogwood tree (#0075168)
From close-up views of the remaining leaves on your dogwood, I don't spot any of the diseases mentioned in the Minnesota link n or in this one from the University of Pennsylvania. Perhaps examining these leaves will allow you to spot one of the conditions. If not, I suggest cutting down all dead branches, watching it carefully in the spring to see if new growth emerges, and giving it a second chance.
https://extension.psu.edu/dogwood-diseases
https://extension.psu.edu/dogwood-diseases
So, should I cut out all dead branches this Fall or now? Some have a few leaves near the end of the branch and I assume I would leave those on the tree? Thank you so much for your help.
From: askextension=<personal data hidden> <askextension=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2022 3:46:53 PM
To: dsufka <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Question about dogwood tree (#0075168)
Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2022 3:46:53 PM
To: dsufka <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Question about dogwood tree (#0075168)
The best chance for this shrub/tree might be to cut it completely back to healthy growth now, rather than leaving long branches with a few leaves on top, hoping they fill out next year. This way the water and nutrients can go to a limited amount of growth, hopefully resulting in a stronger plant next year.
I didn't find any evidence of disease on my tree. I did trim the dead branches and attached a short video that shows the remaining branches. I don't mind topping off the tree this Fall if that is the recommendation. Thank you again for your input.
Diane
From: askextension=<personal data hidden> <askextension=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2022 3:46:53 PM
To: dsufka <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Question about dogwood tree (#0075168)
Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2022 3:46:53 PM
To: dsufka <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Question about dogwood tree (#0075168)
I have tried to send a video of the dogwood after I trimmed it. I will try to attach again. I would like your input about additional trimming of my tree. I really want it to thrive.
Thank you
From: askextension=<personal data hidden> <askextension=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2022 3:46:53 PM
To: dsufka <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Question about dogwood tree (#0075168)
Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2022 3:46:53 PM
To: dsufka <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Question about dogwood tree (#0075168)
I hope you receive the video. Thanks Diane
From: diane sufka <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Friday, August 19, 2022 2:41 AM
To: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Question about dogwood tree (#0075168)
Sent: Friday, August 19, 2022 2:41 AM
To: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Question about dogwood tree (#0075168)
I have tried to send a video of the dogwood after I trimmed it. I will try to attach again. I would like your input about additional trimming of my tree. I really want it to thrive.
Thank you
From: askextension=<personal data hidden> <askextension=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2022 3:46:53 PM
To: dsufka <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Question about dogwood tree (#0075168)
Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2022 3:46:53 PM
To: dsufka <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Question about dogwood tree (#0075168)
I'm sorry that I didn't receive your video. If you'd like to have extra assurance that you're trimming your dogwood properly, you could contact a certified arborist. For information on how to do that, see https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional