Cover the whole planting bed with a thick layer of mulch and water well. Immediately begin dogwood borer prevention. Apply appropriate insecticides to the trunk and main branches, and continue to do so for three years. Borers are attracted to stressed dogwoods, so keep your dogwood healthy and injury free. Keep weeds and vegetation away from the trunk by hand, so as not to allow weed-eaters or lawn mowers to injure the bark.
Equipment can cause as much damage as dogwood borers.
During a summer drought, when the soil is dry down to six inches, water slowly to wet the entire soil profile. Avoid wetting foliage. Sprinkle on mulch around plant. When trees have reached the desired size, cease fertilization.