The flowering dogwood has tremendous economic value as an ornamental tree. Nurseries became concerned as sales plummeted after media reports that dogwoods were doomed. In response, they launched a public relations campaign and supported numerous research efforts. Their message is that well-maintained landscape trees are far less vulnerable to the disease than woodland trees. Research has shown that care and cultural practices are critical to the health of dogwood and its resistance to the disease.
Trees do much better in sunny areas with good air circulation and good drainage.
Sufficient water, nutrients, and absence of mechanical injury also contribute significantly to tree health. Pruning of epicormic sprouts and raking of dead, fallen leaves helps eliminate fungal spores that spread the disease. Future research is needed to address more precisely the conditions that contribute to health. It is not known how spores infect the trees or why certain native trees show some resistance. Despite heavy losses to the dogwood resource, it appears that the flowering dogwood will continue to be a part of our eastern forests and landscapes.