QuestionHi there. I planted what I thought would be a beautiful white flowering Dogwood only to go out to see it 6 weeks later to find a whole branch dead. I have quite a bit of experience with trees and planting, but not with Dogwoods. I backfill an area about 8 feet in dia. adding triple mix and peat to make sure soil was ok. I did notice a curled leaf so looked under to find what resembled a caterpillar nest - white fuzzy sort of sticky stuff holding the leaf curled. I tore the leaf off and inspected, but have not found a cat yet. Also, the dead branch at the base near the main trunk, has a whitish spot...resembling a small (very small) gall or something. Something is wrong there as no other branch has it. I have the Dogwood with dark brown bark. Can you help me know what to do?? Can I use ANY insecticide on her? With thanks...Karen from Ontario Canada.
AnswerDear Karen, Your dogwood is definitely infested but I'm not sure exactly what is eating it. Dogwoods are notoriously hard to get started and are subject to many diseases and pests, particularly in the first few years after transplant. Prune off the dead area, and then spray the tree with an insecticide. I'm not sure what is available in your area, but I would actually spray with a combination insecticide/fungicide, or buy two separate products and you can mix them together when spraying. Fertilome makes a product called Triple Action Plus - if you can get that in your area it is a good choice when you have possible fungus problems, or you have a plant which is very susceptible to fungus. Be sure to spray the tree to the dripping point and get the bottom of the leaves especially. Then just keep an eye out and you might spray once or twice more a week or so later. Hopefully the tree will start mending and get stronger, but you may have to replace it eventually. Dogwoods are very hard to get started and it sometimes takes two or three tries but the results are well worth the trouble. Good luck, and let me know if you need further assistance. Melissa
