This is good info. I also live in CT and have a Kousa dogwood that is about 15 years old. It survived our October snow storm last year, with the heavy wet snow weighing the lower branches down to the ground. It also survived a heavy pruning due to its growth compromising our power lines. Last year, I noticed a small tree growing in the garden under part of the tree. I suspected it might be a Kousa, and this year I was able to confirm that it is. Does anyone know how these trees germinate? One friend thinks that the tree came from the roots, like the aspens do. Another thought one of the fruits germinated the tree. Does anyone know? Thank you for any info. (I will be moving my little one this weekend, I hope it's successful!)

Poor drainage will be a major limitation for pretty much anything you choose to plant with the exception of some bog lovers. Even trees that like moist soils - as both the Japanese maple and dogwood do - need well-draining soil. If you suspect that is the issue....and it sounds like a very good possibility.......then you need to do something to improve drainage. While it is a tricky time of year to be making adjustments and replanting things, if the drainage is as problematic as you think, the plants are not inclined to be patient and tolerate the conditions until the timing is more conducive. Poor drainage can be the kiss of death and relatively rapidly, so you need to make a firm assessment of the situation and resolve the problem ASAP if it does indeed exist.

Dogwoods are understory trees and appreciate a bit of shade. And they are not the slightest bit drought tolerant. So avoid full, all day sun and provide plenty of water, And what you may be seeing around town could be eastern dogoods, Cornus florida, which can be prone to a number of leaf issues that could produce a dry, shriveled, sunburned look.

"I've observed the same with other woodies such as viburnum plicatum tomentosum some rhodies and a stewartia." With the exception of fruit trees, the vast majority of woody plants do NOT observe alternate bearing or biennial flower production. Once established, they will flower consistently year after year provided weather conditions are acceptable for the flowering. I would be interested in seeing any scientific evidence that would support the alternate year theory. With a degree in horticulture and many decades growing and gardening professionally, I have never seen any reference to this outside of fruit bearing trees.