Pink Dogwood Planted 3-4 Months Ago: Likely Dead

Pink flowering dogwood planted 3-4 months ago. Blooms/leaves fell off 1 week after planting, never returned. Watered daily. Friend says shock. Owner in Alabama (90-100°F).

Check for Life

1. Scrape bark on upper outer branch tips.
2. Green = alive; brown = dead at that point.
3. Work down to trunk. Check multiple branches.

Probable Causes of Death

• Daily watering = drowning (dogwoods hate wet feet).
• Planted too deep.
• Dead when purchased.
• Transplant shock + heat.

If Any Green: Cut Water to Weekly

1" weekly (pan method). Prune dead later.

Next Time (Spring)

• Buy from local nursery (not big box).
• Plant Feb, before leaf-out.
• Hole 2x root ball. Remove burlap/wire.
• Root ball level with ground.
• Mulch 3". Water 1" every 4 days first month.
• Dogwoods need partial shade (understory trees).

Contact AL Cooperative Extension for local advice.