Dogwood Tree - Help

10 years ago

Hello...

This is my first post on the forum. I have a dogwood tree in my front yard - my home is in eastern CT.

I've noticed several spots of yellow/green growth along with moss on several of the branches. Some of the branches appear to have white parts on the bark as well, and the leaves seem to be sparse. They're green, but they don't seem to be populating like some of the similar trees in my neighborhood. I've included a photo (four photos, actually) for reference.

I like this tree, a lot, and I've already had to lose one tree in my yard thanks to the previous owner not taking care of it. I'd hate to have to do that again. So, if anyone can offer me any suggestions regarding treatment, or anything of the like, I'd be hugely appreciative.

Thank you all!
-matt

Comments (4)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
10 years ago
i dont see moss and lichens leaving a tree near leafless ...

can we have a pic of the whole ...

why did the other tree die??? .. any diagnosis???

ken
botann
10 years ago
Moss and Lichens aren't going to hurt the tree at all.
Weed killer on the lawn will though.
Need a pic of the whole tree from the ground up.
Mike
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BackstreetZAFU
Original Author
10 years ago
Here are additional photos of the tree, including a close up of the trunk.

Again, any help would be appreciated.
ken_mce
10 years ago
Looks like Cornus Florida, the American Dogwood. The stuff on the branches is moss & lichen, they are mostly just using it as something to hang off of, don't worry about them.

The lower center picture shows some damage to the bark. If there is rotted material in there you could clean it out a little. With time the tree may be able to heal that injury. If not, they can go a long time with damage, they just keep on flowering.

You could throw down a little organic food on the lawn around it now and then if you want to encourage it. If your yard dries out enough that the soil to a fingers depth is completely dry you could set up a sprinkler, water it. Don't do quick shallow waterings, let the sprinkler run until the water goes way down into the soil. The roots may go out quite far to the sides.

Looks like a nice tree.