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Can I save my dogwood tree?

15 years ago

During the winter, one of the two major branches split on one of my Dogwoods trees. Aparently, the tree is still alive as it is currently blooming, including the split branch. So, my question is: Is it possible to repair this branch or do I have to remove it, or just take the tree down. I would look pretty silly if I removed the branch, but something has to be done. I'll post a picture of it tomorrow.

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Comments (7)

brandon7 TN_zone7
15 years ago
Doesn't sound promising, but I'll wait for the picture(s).
kevweiser
Original Author
15 years ago
Here are some pictures I just took of the damage. What do you think, can I save it?
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where are you ... i am not sure i would try to move a tree that size ... digging is no real problem ... lifting it.. and moving it around the house is a huge problem ... think 2 or 3 foot rootball.. that could easily run a couple 3 hundred pounds ...... and then getting it in the hole.. and moving it around .. for final positioning ... and then the final problem of how do you secure it upright for the 2 or 3 years that is has no roots to hold itself upright .... when you can simply cut this one flush to the ground ... and use a stump killer and be done with it ... and if you want one in back.. go buy one for under a hundred bucks ... work smart not hard .. imo ... keep in mind.. plants are planted.. to hide the foundation.. NOT on the foundation ... and that was the mistake made here .. it is also a plus... to not plant things so close that plants stain or keep siding wet .. or if that was a painted surface.. allowing room to paint when it need be done .. btw.. whats the surface below the porch railing ... put all that together.. and i would not be planting anything right where the stump will be.. and that is why i would forego digging it out ... you have set yourself firmly in a box .. trying to move it.. think outside that box ... btw ... one of the problems i see.. is the thing has been sheared into that shape for a very long time .. and it will take years of pruning.. to get it back to a natural form ... good luck ... ken
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brandon7 TN_zone7
15 years ago
First, nice yard! We can only see part of it in the first picture, but it looks picturesque. Maybe you should post more photos!

It appears that the limb in question, and the whole tree for that matter, has been in poor condition for a while. In the close up pictures, you can see that the limb has been in a state of decay for some time. In the first zoom in picture, it is also clear that another large branch has fallen off sometime in the past. There really isn't much left of this tree, and, if it were me, I'd remove it and plant something in it's place (not necessarily in the exact spot).
kevweiser
Original Author
15 years ago
Ty for the compliment, I wish I could take credit for it. The previous owners were retired and landscaping was their hobby. Seems like the decay at the base of the branch must be responsible for the split. Even if I do successfully repair it, it might just break again in the future. Oh well.
jean001
15 years ago
It was said "In the close up pictures, you can see that the limb has been in a state of decay for some time."

And looking at the entire trunk, one sees that the dead portion runs the length of the tree.

Bottom line: I agree w/brandon7 -- cut your losses and start over with a healthy tree.
bigdancehawk
15 years ago
I had one in similar condition (Cornus Florida). I trimmed off as much of the decayed portion as possible, but over the span of 2 years it continued to decline and I had to cut it down. Sorry to be the bearer of discouraging information.
noreengreco_aol_com
12 years ago
Our tree is only blooming on half of its branches.The flowers were small and sort of anemic looking. How can we bring it back to healthy state?

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