Follow soil preparation and planting guidelines previously outlined. The most common insect pest on established dogwood trees is the dogwood borer. The larvae of the borer lives in the cambial area and can kill branches or entire trees. They enter trees through the bark. The best prevention is to avoid damage to the bark with equipment such as lawn mowers or weed eaters.
Dogwood anthracnose is the disease that can cause tree decline and mortality.
It was recently confirmed in northern Georgia. It initially shows up as leaf spots and stem cankers. It is often confused with the more common Spot Anthracnose that occurs as reddish-purple spots on flower bracts and leaves. If you suspect your tree of having the disease, contact your county Extension agent for positive identification. Fast growers will usually be delayed in beginning the flowering cycle.