Leland cypress and dogwood fungus - Ask Extension
Hi, both my cypress and dogwood have oozing bark peel off on major trunk. Otherwise they look healthy. Is there a treatment?
Knowledgebase
Leland cypress and dogwood fungus #931607
Asked May 13, 2026, 5:55 PM EDT
Hi, both my cypress and dogwood have oozing bark peel off on major trunk. Otherwise they look healthy. Is there a treatment?
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
I've attached pic of both trees' infected areas.
I've attached pic of both trees' infected areas.
Thanks for your question.
The Leyland cypress looks like it may have borers or bark beetles. The small exit holes are an indication that this might be an issue. If you remove the damaged bark, you may see their tunnels. These insects usually only target stressed trees so you should do every you can do to keep the tree healthy. Make sure it receives enough water during these dry months so it isn't drought stressed. Chemical treatment is usually ineffective once beetles/borers are inside the bark.
The dogwood may have a canker but might also have some type of bark beetle issue. Here is some information about cankers on Leyland cypress - https://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/canker-diseases/#gsc.tab=0. Again, ensure this tree also gets enough water during these dry months. Trees that are drought stressed are more susceptible to insect pests and disease.
If the bark and cambium layer are damaged all around the trunks, the trees may not survive. You may want to contact an arborist that can conduct an on-site evaluation. Here is a site to find a certified arborist in your area - https://www.treesaregood.org/Find-an-Arborist
The Leyland cypress looks like it may have borers or bark beetles. The small exit holes are an indication that this might be an issue. If you remove the damaged bark, you may see their tunnels. These insects usually only target stressed trees so you should do every you can do to keep the tree healthy. Make sure it receives enough water during these dry months so it isn't drought stressed. Chemical treatment is usually ineffective once beetles/borers are inside the bark.
The dogwood may have a canker but might also have some type of bark beetle issue. Here is some information about cankers on Leyland cypress - https://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/canker-diseases/#gsc.tab=0. Again, ensure this tree also gets enough water during these dry months. Trees that are drought stressed are more susceptible to insect pests and disease.
If the bark and cambium layer are damaged all around the trunks, the trees may not survive. You may want to contact an arborist that can conduct an on-site evaluation. Here is a site to find a certified arborist in your area - https://www.treesaregood.org/Find-an-Arborist
