Fungal diseases affect many trees including the Dogwood tree. All fungal diseases prefer humid wet spring conditions. The moisture is necessary for the transmission of the disease and aids in the growth in the leaf. When we experience a dry spring we see much less disease pressure. These diseases spread as small spores which float in the air and land on host plants. These spores are microscopic and release into the air in the spring. The spores land on the new, young, tender leaves as they begin to grow and invade the tender cells and begin to grow. As the leaf grows so does the disease and the effects are soon seen in leaf spots, leaf die back and early leaf loss.
Disease Affect the Dogwood Tree in Central Virginia & The Valley
Rust
Rust is a disease often found on apples, Service Berry and Hawthorne. It causes a yellow spotting of the leaf and early leaf loss. This disease can completely defoliate a plant if not treated.
Tar Spot
This is a disease of maples and causes black areas to form on the leaves. Though this disease is not deadly it can stress a tree and in wet springs can cause considerable defoliation.
Anthracnose
There are several different forms of Anthracnose which affect different species of trees. While most Anthracnose diseases cause leaf damage they usually do not cause a plant to die. The Discula or Dogwood Anthracnose, however, is a particularly deadly variety.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery Mildew is a common disease seen on both herbaceous and woody plants. The variety which attacks Dogwood can cause considerable damage to the tree.
Apple Scab
This disease causes leaf spot and early leaf drop on apples and Crab Apples. These trees usually recover and do fine.
Spring came early this year and the trees are well into bud break and early leaf elongation. Now is the time to begin treatments. Though spring is 2-3 weeks earlier this year we are prepared and providing appropriate treatments. We are closely monitoring plants in our area and have already begun treatments. If you are concerned about fungal diseases harming your Dogwood trees contact us today!