We planted a ‘Snowy Peak’ dogwood last fall in loamy soil in a spot that gets full sun. It didn’t bloom this year. The leaves have black tips and some are turning brown. Is this leaf scorch or something else? A few branches have died. I tried giving the tree a few additional gallons of water before our underground system waters the lawn and the tree.
This appears to be a watering issue. Dogwoods have shallow, fibrous roots that spread horizontally, so they are susceptible to drought stress. Droopy, yellowing leaves with brown tips across the whole plant are symptoms of water stress.
The symptoms of over and underwatering are similar, so you will need to take a close look at your watering situation to determine if you are applying too much or too little. Dig about 6 inches down into the soil and feel it to see if it is dry or moist or use a soil moisture meter. Dogwoods prefer partial shade, so the exposure of the tree may be exacerbating the drought conditions.
If the underground watering system isn’t applying water within the root zone, it’s possible that the tree isn’t getting enough water. It’s also possible the irrigation system is applying too much water, especially if you are deep watering your lawn several times per week or if you have a heavy clay soil that absorbs water.
Dogwoods are susceptible to root rot, especially in poorly drained or compacted soil.
Do you have good drainage, or does the water puddle after a rainstorm or irrigation? Is the soil staying saturated between watering? If the roots are sitting in soggy soil, that can lead to root rot which prevents the tree from absorbing water and nutrients. Dogwoods are susceptible to root rot, especially in poorly drained or compacted soil.
Young trees need more consistent watering than established trees. How often and how much water you apply depends on the soil type, size of the tree, and weather conditions. A general rule of thumb is that established trees need about 10 gallons of water for each inch of the trunk’s diameter.
The best way to determine when trees need water is to check the soil moisture and ensure that the soil stays consistently moist, but not soggy. Make sure the water is applied within the root zone of the tree, and water in the early morning rather than in the afternoon. Mulching around the base of the tree will reduce evaporative loss, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds around the base of the trunk.
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