Knowledgebase
What is afflicting my pagoda dogwood? #931737
Asked May 14, 2026, 6:02 PM EDT
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
I cannot tell with certainty what these are. They look like old damage likely from last summer because I don't see sawdust-like frass present. The best match seems to be Dogwood Borer, which is a flying insect that lays her egg on a bark opening on flowering dogwoods. Small wet areas on the bark in early summer may indicate young borer activity. Here is a link to more information on a publication from Michigan State University: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/dogwood-borer-a-not-so-new-pest
Paul -Tree Care Advisor volunteer