leaves on the tree at all. Should I replace the tree at this time or give it another year? I live in Iowa, zone 5. The tree is planted in full sun.
Some sites list the growing zones as 5 to 9 but some say 6 to 9, so you are right on the edge. If your winter was below normal the tree may have had some root dieback. It's possible it could slowly recover; but it is just a waiting game. I would add a good amount of mulch at least 3 feet out from the tree to help it through the next winter as well as provide much needed moisture this summer.
You can contact the garden center; most reputable sellers will replace a tree within a year.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/dogwood/growing-kousa-dogwood-trees.htm
We have it in the front of our house, but its branches are straggly and some are dead. It's flowers are few.
Review the care, pruning and fertilizing information in the articles below. They should pinpoint the problem. You can remove dead limbs as soon as you notice them.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/dogwood/fertilizing-dogwood-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/dogwood/trimming-dogwood-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/dogwood/caring-dogwood-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/dogwood/common-dogwood-problems.htm
The tree appears to be healthy, but the leaf tips are turning brown/black. What is causing this? What can I do ?
This can be caused by too much fertilizer, or too much water.
You will want to treat the area with a fungicide, just in case. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
Make sure that the soil has a chance to dry out thoroughly down to about 3 or 4 inches between watering, then give them another very deep watering. They can tolerate dry soil better than they can saturated soils.
Here is an article that will help you with their care:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/dogwood/caring-dogwood-trees.htm
I pruned our Dogwood yesterday. I followed up and did some further reading last night, only to see warnings of pruning in Summer months because of Dogwood Borers. Most accounts seemed to be on the East Coast? Now that I have already pruned, what can I do next to best protect the tree? I've read about Peremthrin treatments, but is that okay right after pruning the tree? Ive also had a tough time finding the right products> For context I live in the East Bay Area, California. Mostly small branches were removed, but 2 medium sized were removed with hand saw as they were growing inwards & rubbing. Per a recommendation these were covered with Wound Paint for protection for the time being - to be removed when Borers go away. Also, there is a Cherry tree nearby that has had some Borers in the past, not sure how relevant that is and if that same species would go after the Dogwood. Any help/advice on what to do next would be greatly appreciated!!
Borers are present, almost, worldwide. The West Coast is no exception!
Usually, adding stress on top of serious borer damage will be a death sentence to even the hardier of trees. You may be looking to replace it.
Here are some articles to help you in the future:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/dogwood/dogwood-borer.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/what-are-organic-pesticides.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides
have come from the base of the plant. Do I have an intruder or is this normal before they turn variegated?
What you have is a grafted tree. The rootstock is a standard, while the top, or scion, is a variegated cultivar.
You should keep those cut, as often as you see them. They are more vigorous than the scion, so they will take over and kill off the variegated portion, eventually.
Another thing worth mentioning is that this, mainly, happens when something is wrong with the scion. The variegated portion of your tree may be damaged, or have an infection. Although young trees need to be well-watered, they do not need to be overwatered. They do need a dry out between watering.
From here, I recommend a HANDFUL of DOLOMITIC LIME, and a TABLESPOON of WETTABLE SULFUR. This will kill off the infection. You can also use fungicides like this for the top.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/dogwood/growing-giant-dogwood-tree.htm
Please can someone identify these chilli/ pepper plants for me and when to expect any results from the flowers
I am a little confused. Your photo did not come through, and I am confused on whether we are talking about peppers or a Dogwood.
In the meantime, here are some articles that will help:
I planted a white flowering dogwood last year and this year it's losing its bark in places. I thought it was mechanical damage at first but it's appearing in other places higher up in the tree now. The leaves look OK so far and it has new growth. Is it athracnose or is this part of the growing process? Should I remove it so it doesn't spread to the other trees? Thanks in advance! Bill in SE Pennsylvania
Dogwood peeling issues are going to be a sit and wait type of thing. In MOST cases peeling can be normal. In SOME cases, it is not.
Since the tree appears healthy, I don't see any cause for concern. Otherwise, keep an eye out for any changes in the tree's health.
Here is an article for more information:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/dogwood/dogwood-bark-peeling.htm