Wilting dog wood

Question: I have a younger dog wood. Probably in the ground for 3 years . This year it is  wilting. Don’t think it is too much water. We were quite dry for a while. Gave it some water this weekend. I did add some fertilizer earlier in the year. Lost a Crabapple about 30 feet away that was healthy in the fall.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 28, 2023, 12:25 AM EDT
response: Hello Bruce, Thank you for writing to the Master Gardeners. I'm sorry your dogwood tree is stressed and that you lost a crabapple tree.  Without knowing more about your crabapple tree, it's difficult to say what might have happened. For example - what was its age, where was it sited, did it have disease or pest problems in the previous years? For the moment, let's address the dogwood. I'm glad you sent pictures. I can see the wilting and also how some leaves are browning at the edges. Also, someone has munched on a few leaves. I checked these websites to rule out disease: Penn State dogwood diseases: https://extension.psu.edu/dogwood-diseases University of Connecticute dogwood decline: https://ipm.cahnr.uconn.edu/the-dogwood-decline/ I think your dogwood may be showing signs of drought stress. This site explains it well, and some of the example pictures, though extreme, look like where your tree might be headed: Missouri Botanical Garden: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/visual-guides/flowering-dogwood-problems Drought stress pics. Check out the browing at the edges. 1:  2:  Why do I say drought stress? Ulster County had measurable rain on April 27, 2023, and the next measurable rainfall was on June 10, 2023. During that time, we also had near-freezing temperatures. The past few days have helped put some moisture back in the soil, but this is stressful weather for a young tree. I will be curious if the tree perks up after the rain, but here are tips from UConn about keeping your tree healthy. I put *** next to recommendations that I think might apply to your tree in particular. Also, keep an eye out for the diseases mentioned in the websites above. A stressed tree is more susceptible. "*****Check the soil’s pH and nutrient levels by having the soil tested. Apply fertilizer and lime as recommended on the soil test report.****** Do not apply fertilizer around dogwood trees after mid-June. It can stimulate soft late growth, making the trees susceptible to winter injury. Avoid planting dogwood in open, exposed areas. Prune dead limbs. Do not use herbicides under and around dogwoods. Do not apply insecticides or fungicides to dogwoods with sprayers that were used for applying weed killers. *****Use not more than a two-inch layer of mulch around the tree.****** *****Dogwoods have shallow roots, so water thoroughly if a summer drought should last two weeks or more.***** Avoid lawn mower injury. Kousa Dogwood might be a suitable replacement tree. The extension office can do a soil pH test for a small fee if you bring in a sample. Make sure to dig 4-6" deep in several places around the tree (where the roots are), and put in a baggie. Make sure soil is dry! good luck, Sarah

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 28, 2023, 12:08 PM EDT
response: There are many things it could be. Our plant expert is out until 7/5 but you can bring an example of a damaged leaf/branch into our office to be examined after the 5th. Dogwoods grow best in a partially shady location with moist, well-drained soil, and a soil pH range of 5.6-6.5  We can do a soil test for you if you'd like. I have attached a sheet that can help you find a certified arborist if you would like to go that route.Here is some information about things that can kill a dogwood https://extension.umd.edu/resource/key-common-problems-dogwoods, also https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/dogwood-diseases-insect-pests/I hope this helps. Can we add you to our mailing list? We won't bombard you or share your information. We will just keep you informed about the various events we sponsor.Best,Karen RanucciMaster Gardener On Mon, Jun 26, 2023 at 8:53 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:Hi Cornell, Question #0107658 has been assigned to you by SYSTEM (Auto Assignment) Wilting dog wood I have a younger dog wood. Probably in the ground for 3 years . This year it is wilting. Don’t think it is too much water. We were quite dry for a while. Gave it some water this weekend. I did add some fertilizer earlier in the year. Lost a Crabapple about 30 feet away that was healthy in the fall. From: Bruce YoungSubmitted: 06/26/2023 8:53 PM To view/respond to the question, please login. Please join the Ask Extension Experts group in Connect Extension. We will use that group to post updates about Ask Extension.This message was sent by Ask Extension. If you need help, please visit https://askhelp.extension.org/.-- Cornell Cooperative Extension| Ulster County Ulster.CCE.Cornell.edu | <personal data hidden> Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram 232 Plaza Road (Hannaford Plaza), Kingston, New York 12401 Cornell Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer. Contact the office for accommodation requests and accessibility issues.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 30, 2023, 6:53 PM EDT
response: Thank you Karen,   Yes you can add me to your mailing list.   The location is a mostly shaded spot that is moist but well drained. Ferns behind it. Was doing well for the 1st 3 years.   PH is a good question. Can I drop off a sample to our local extension? I think we have one in Canandaigua.    Have a great 4th of July!   Best regards,   Bruce M. Young   From: Ask Extension  Sent: Wednesday, June 28, 2023 12:08 PM To: Bruce Young  Subject: Re: Wilting dog wood (#0107658)