Dogwood “Cherokee Chief” Is Dying!

Question

Leaves seem to be dying, as with a couple of stems. I don’t think it’s lack of water, but I’m not sure. Any help is amazing thankyou Also, it’s puddling at the base, what can I do to prevent this?

• 

Answer 1

Do you have clay soil? The puddling water may be causing the dieback. You can lift the chainlink and pull out the grass that is inside plus enlarge that no-grass zone. Then lightly work in some compost to the no-grass area to help with drainage. You can also add a 2-inch layer of mulch on top (leave about 2 inches around the trunk with no mulch).

Here is more:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/dogwood/caring-dogwood-trees.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/how-to-improve-clay-soil.htm

Dogwoods are susceptible to anthracnose disease, so I included information about that so you can try to prevent it as well as other problems:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/anthracnose-disease.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/dogwood/flowering-dogwood-problems.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/dogwood/common-dogwood-problems.htm