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Flowering dogwood · Cornus florida

Are there bugs eating my flowering dogwood?

It is less common for pests to cause major damage to a healthy dogwood, but they can occasionally appear when the tree is stressed. Check the undersides of the leaves first for signs of insects or webbing.

pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Examine the bark near the base for holes or sawdust.
  2. Look at the undersides of leaves for small bumps or insects.
  3. Check for sticky residue on the leaves or ground.

Likely causes

  1. Dogwood borer

    Possible

    How to tell: Look for small holes in the bark or sawdust near the base of the tree. The tree may show signs of wilting or branch dieback.

    What to do: Keep the tree healthy with proper watering to discourage borers. If you find an infestation, consult a professional arborist for treatment options.

  2. Scale insects

    Possible

    How to tell: These look like small, stationary bumps on the twigs or leaves. They often cause yellowing or stunted growth.

    What to do: Apply horticultural oil during the dormant season to smother the insects. You can also gently scrub them off with a soft brush.

Find out what's wrong with your flowering dogwood

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

Small numbers of insects are usually manageable, but significant bark damage or heavy infestations require immediate attention. A few stray bugs are normal in any outdoor garden.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain tree vigor through consistent watering and avoid wounding the bark with lawn equipment.

Keep your flowering dogwood healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Can I use soap spray on my dogwood?
Yes, insecticidal soap can work for soft-bodied pests like scale. Always test a small area first to ensure the leaves do not burn.
How do I know if the damage is from borers?
Look for exit holes in the bark and sawdust at the base. If you see these, the tree is likely under attack.

More problems with Flowering dogwood

Back to the Flowering dogwood guide

This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.