Dogwood trunk problem - Ask Extension
We planted this dogwood (I believe it is a Cherokee Chief) 3 years ago. It is in the unprotected front yard and has struggled with the sun and heat e...
Knowledgebase
Dogwood trunk problem #880532
Asked August 07, 2024, 12:13 PM EDT
We planted this dogwood (I believe it is a Cherokee Chief) 3 years ago. It is in the unprotected front yard and has struggled with the sun and heat every summer, and it has grown very little each year. Now, I see this horrible spot on the west side of the trunk. Is there anything we can do to save it?
Linn County Oregon
Expert Response
Dogwoods are understory trees and are generally not at their best in hot sunny sites. However with adequate water it may be able to do OK there. As for the trunk damage, what side of the tree is it on? If it is on the south, SW, or west side, it could have started as sunburn. It could have also been physical damage.
It looks fairly old, though - the smoothly curved wood around the edges is what the tree does to compartmentalize an injury so that any rot doesn't hurt the rest of the tree. It looks healthy - no rot is evident - so I think the tree has handled it and is unlikely to suffer further from that injury.
It looks fairly old, though - the smoothly curved wood around the edges is what the tree does to compartmentalize an injury so that any rot doesn't hurt the rest of the tree. It looks healthy - no rot is evident - so I think the tree has handled it and is unlikely to suffer further from that injury.
Should I wrap the trunk with anything to keep the bark from continuing to come off?
From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension
Sent: Thursday, August 8, 2024 11:39 AM
To: Linda King <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Dogwood trunk problem (#0150450)
No. Any bark that is loose, you can cut off (don't tear it and damage healthy bark). Or just leave it, it is not hurting the tree.
