Dogwood Diseases in Atlanta: Powdery Mildew, Spot Anthracnose, and Blight

Dogwood Diseases in Atlanta: Powdery Mildew, Spot Anthracnose, and Blight

Dogwoods in Atlanta faced several issues this spring: brown, distorted leaves and severe leaf drop. Understanding the weather history explains the severity—wet July caused shallow roots, and dry May weakened them further, increasing disease susceptibility.

Powdery Mildew

Symptoms: Faint, dusty coating on leaves; affected areas die; leaves may distort; contributes to scorched appearance. Usually involves most or all foliage.
Treatment: Spray labeled fungicide throughout summer to protect new growth. Spray again at bud break next spring. Remove all fallen leaves in fall.

Spot Anthracnose

Symptoms: Numerous pinhead-sized spots on leaves in early spring, worst during rainy April. Spots may distort leaves or make blooms look dirty.
Treatment: Spray labeled fungicide from bud break until leaves fully expand. Stop when summer begins.

Dogwood Blight (Discula destructiva)

Symptoms: Medium dead spots enlarge to kill most of the leaf. Starts on lower branches and moves upward. Shaded trees in very moist environments are susceptible and may die after several years. This disease has devastated dogwoods in eastern/northeastern mountains but is very unlikely in open Atlanta lawns.
Treatment: Spray labeled fungicide from bud break to early summer, and again when fall temperatures cool. Remove all leaves under trees in fall.