Dogwood tree damage - Ask Extension
In cutting down a tree in my front yard, I have a dogwood that was damaged. my question is could it survive as is in the picture or should I take it d...
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Dogwood tree damage #924509
Asked February 12, 2026, 1:18 PM EST
In cutting down a tree in my front yard, I have a dogwood that was damaged. my question is could it survive as is in the picture or should I take it down to the trunk?
Wicomico County Maryland
Expert Response
We can't see enough detail to be certain, but it appears that the tree pictured has lost half of its canopy and sustained serious trunk damage in the process. In that case, the tree might survive if it can compartmentalize the damaged tissue to resist decay (there is no way to intervene to speed this up or ensure that it's successful), but it may be more practical to replace it given the extent and seriousness of the wounding. Even if it does survive, it would take many years to re-develop a full canopy.
Miri
Miri
