Vinca vs. Grass Under Dogwoods: Impact on Tree Health

While turfgrass competes heavily with dogwoods for water and nutrients, vinca (periwinkle) is far less detrimental due to its shallow root system. It doesn't rob the tree the way a dense lawn does. However, dogwoods in the Atlanta area typically have a lifespan of about 25 years. If your 30-year-old tree has dead branches, it may simply be reaching the end of its natural life, regardless of groundcover.