My dogwood is wilting. Does it have a disease?

A 25-year-old dogwood that appears to be wilting may not have a disease at all. In this case, the symptoms point more toward water stress, particularly because there was no visible leaf discoloration, powdery mildew, or dead branches. Dogwoods are naturally understory trees, so one growing in an open, sunny lawn can experience greater water stress, especially during drought. Because dogwood roots are relatively shallow and extend well beyond the tree’s drip line—potentially two to two and a half times the width of the canopy—it is important to water the entire root zone rather than concentrating water only beneath the tree. Avoid damaging these shallow roots with lawnmowers or other equipment, and provide thorough watering during dry periods to help the tree recover.

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