Lichens on Dogwood: Harmless but Check for Other Tree Issues

The light green patches on your dogwood are likely lichens—harmless, slow-growing organisms that indicate clean air. They do not harm the tree.

Your dogwood’s decline has another cause. Check Cornell’s Dogwood Factsheet for common issues: lawnmower damage to bark, overfertilizing, or herbicide drift (even from neighbors). These are far more damaging than lichens. Consult a local arborist for an accurate diagnosis.