What can I do to save my Dogwood tree?
I didn't notice how the 3/4 top of my tree looks dead. It is about 6 years old and 14 ft. high. Three or four bottom limbs have flowered and now leafing out. half way up the trunk the bark is split and pealing. What can I do.
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If the tree is dying from the top down, check how deeply it is planted. You should be able to see the root collar without disturbing the soil at the base of the tree. The root collar is where the tree trunk widens at the base, just above where the roots start to grow from the bottom of the trunk. You do not want to have the roots visible, but the root collar should be visible. If in doubt yet of what a root collar is, look at trees in your area that are growing wild. The base of the trunk widens where it meets the land. If a tree is planted too deeply, it WILL DIE (though there are exceptions, such as Manitoba maples (acer negundo) and other weed trees). Also, be aware that mulch should be a couple of inches deep, but leave a space between the mulch and the tree trunk. DO NOT make a mulch `volcano``, instead the way the mulch is placed around the tree should more resemble a donut, with a hole in the middle for your trunk. Hope this info is helpful.
If you can cut the top of the dead portion of the tree and seal up the cut with running spray.Next check for any insect damage,Apply a systemic treatment for dogwoods and re-apply in two weeks.
After trimming if possible, I recommend feeding the tree. I use Organic Hollytone by Espoma. i would then add the mulch as mentioned previously. Good luck.