Question
Dogwood Leaves
Hi again Jim,
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.
AnswerLooks like leaf scorch. Leaf scorch is caused by environmental conditions that are too dry. Leaves have dry and browning edges. On severely stressed trees, drying and browning of the areas between the veins and leaf drop can occur. This condition looks just like a disease, but it isn't. Dogwoods have a very shallow root system, and thus are very susceptible to drought stress, especially newly planted trees in full sun.
Watering during dry spells is the key to avoiding leaf scorch. Water with 1 inch of water--place a pan under the tree and turn the sprinkler on and when the pan has 1 inch of water in it stop. Do this every third day unless it rains good. After about a couple of weeks water once a week. Also if you have not done so mulch around the tree with not more than 3 inches deep of organic mulch not piled up on the trunk ( pine straw is good).
