Where twig or petiole infections have occurred, dark, shriveled dead leaves may be seen hanging from the infected branch. Although leaf spot and blight are the most common symptoms, some trees showing little leaf spot nevertheless have twig infections and dead leaves. Controlling, or at least slowing down the disease. Be aware of how the disease spreads and of conditions most favorable for disease development. Anthracnose sometimes appears in Kentucky on infected trees brought into the landscape from the forest, and on nursery stock brought from an infected area of another state.
Dogwood anthracnose is favored by wet, rainy weather, and slow foliage drying.
A sunny exposure from the east to dry the tree early in the day is most helpful. Dogwoods tolerate and prefer partly shaded locations, so if a choice is to be made, remove shade on the east side of the tree. Trees having adverse growing conditions are more susceptible to or are more damaged by dogwood anthracnose disease. Protect trees from drought by watering at least once a week during dry spells. Do not use overhead sprinklers.