Can half of a dogwood tree die?

Question

I have an older dogwood tree in my back yard. It branches off at about 4 foot high. One branch is dead no leaves no new limbs and the bark is coming off. The other side is fine new growth new leaves. Can half the tree be dead? Should I cut off the half that is dead. Or should I remove the whole tree? Its over 30 years old so its a large size.

Answer 1

You should cut off the dead parts and see if the rest survives. It's highly likely that it will survive and in fact flourish as it's no longer giving nutrition to the dead part. Dogwoods are very beautiful in the spring and they are also resilient. I think you'll probably find it blooming beautifully once you get rid of the dead stuff. You've nothing to loose.

Answer 2

This happened to both my dogwoods last year. Come to find out I had carpenter ants in the tree. This may not be the same problem but if it is then all of your trees are in danger. I ended up having to cut down the dogwoods and they had been on this property for about 30 years as well. I wish I could help more. Good luck!

Answer 3

i work with tree in landscape and Amy there is right about the ants also could Bea disease which older dogwoods tend to get ,try to cut the dead part and check to see for bugs or ants and to see if there is any green in it you might be able to cut another smaller limb and try to graft it on where you removed the dead part but there has to be some green lining in there to do this, good luck hope this helps.

Answer 4

remove the dead close to the trunk after you cut it paint it with white paint to keep bugs out been in nursery work for 20 years now and still going strong in tennessee