Young Dogwood Decline: Borers, Transplant Shock, and Trimmer Damage

Young Dogwood Decline: Borers, Transplant Shock, and Trimmer Damage

A 3-foot red dogwood with blackening leaves, loose bark at the base, and leaf drop likely has borer damage (common on dogwoods) compounded by transplant shock or string-trimmer injury. Borers enter through wounds and girdle the trunk.

Immediate Actions

• Gently peel loose bark; look for holes, tunnels, or insects.
• If borers confirmed, spray trunk with permethrin or apply imidacloprid soil drench.
• Mulch 3 inches deep (not touching trunk) to prevent trimmer damage and conserve moisture.
• Water consistently—dogwoods are shallow-rooted and drought-sensitive.
• Consider replacement if trunk is girdled; plant in winter/early spring for best establishment.

Prevention (mulch, careful mowing) is far easier than cure.