Epicormic Sprouts on Dogwood: Stress Response, Not Virus

Leaves sprouting from the trunk aren't a virus—they're epicormic buds awakening from drought stress. Most broadleaf trees have these dormant buds under the bark. Severe pruning or root loss can also trigger them.

What to Do

Clip the sprouts. Then "baby" the tree: weekly deep watering, mulch to the drip line, no fertilizer. Reduce stress, and the buds will stay dormant.