New Dogwood Dead Branch, White Fuzz: Pest/Disease Complex

Newly planted white flowering dogwood: one whole branch dead at 6 weeks. Curled leaf with white sticky fuzz underneath (caterpillar nest?). Dead branch base has tiny whitish spot (gall?). Dark brown bark variety.

Expert Assessment

Dogwoods are notoriously difficult to establish, prone to many pests/diseases in first years.

Action Plan

1. Prune out dead wood.
2. Spray with combination insecticide/fungicide (e.g., Fertilome Triple Action Plus) to dripping point, especially leaf undersides.
3. Repeat 1–2 times weekly.
4. Monitor; may need replacement—dogwoods often take 2–3 attempts.

Why Combo Product?

Uncertain exact pest; broad-spectrum covers fungal and insect possibilities. Fertilome Triple Action Plus contains neem oil, pyrethrins, and piperonyl butoxide.

Expert insight provided by Melissa.