Remove severely affected trees. Protect trees from pests. As buds begin to open and until leaves are fully expanded or the weather dries, apply a fungicide that contains chlorothalonil, propiconazole, or mancozeb to control anthracnose. In May and early June, control dogwood borer. When purchasing dogwoods, examine the lower trunk and branches and reject those with any abnormal blemishes, cankers, or dead areas.
Centers turn pale yellow-gray and drop out.
Or, damaged areas may be large, brown, irregularly shaped spots with dark gray-green, purple, or brown margins. Tiny brown dots are seen inside some spots. Dead leaves often remain attached to the tree.