Question

Dogwood leaves   QUESTION: Dear Dr. Vann,

I have another problem with another of my dogwoods.  This one is approx. 4" in diameter.  It's leaves look like they are dying.  I have attached a photo of them for you.  If possible, please tell me what is wrong with my tree and how I can save it.

Thanks again in advance for your good help.

Fred Felker
TN.

ANSWER: Fred:

From your photo, it appears as if the edges (margins) of the leaves are browning.  If this is occurring over most of the tree, then I would suspect that this is a response to a previous or current water deficit (drought) in the soil.  These trees are typically shallow rooted and those that are grown in full sun are especially prone to this.  Trees are often very slow about showing the symptoms of stress- sometimes 1-2 seasons later.  Careful attention to maintain a good source of soil moisture is important for these trees.  Another thing to check, especially on dogwoods, is the presence of borers at or near the soil line.  Look for holes or obvious damage to the bark in that area. These insects can be a terminal issue for dogwoods.  

Regards
Steve

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Steve.  We haven't had ANY rain for the past two weeks or more and I just noticed the leaves turning yesterday and began watering it intensely (3 hrs yesterday and 5 hrs. again today).  I also scattered some triple 15 fertilize(approx. 5 lbs) around its drip line yesterday prior to watering as well.  In your opinion from your experience, do you think that it will recover and if its leaves drop this summer will they return next spring if I continue intense waterings daily until rain comes and between future dry spells?
Fred

Answer
Fred:
The damage has already been done, however I would expect recovery, especially if your tree has been established in your landscape for a few years.  Do not drown the roots, too much water could be harmful as well, especially if you have much clay in your soil.  Best to avoid too rapid of a fluctuation in water.  The burned leaves will not recover and green up.  You may have some new leaves form, but we are closing in on fall, so you may not get any new ones until next spring.  These current leaves will most likely fall, some sooner than others, depending on the severity of the drought.  All you can do now is just make sure that the soil is moist, but not too wet.  I probably would have suggested that you hold off on the fertilizer right now-- water is more important and the fertilizer may aggravate the issues.  Try not to go overboard here, just a good deep, but infrequent watering is fine.

Consider contacting your local county Extension office to ask about getting a soil test early spring.  They are usually free through this agency, plus these folks have a lot of info on growing dogwoods too.  The office is usually in the county seat town in the courthouse building.

Steve