Can I save a tree with root rot?

If caught early, you can save it by stopping irrigation and improving drainage. If the roots are mostly black and mushy, recovery is unlikely.

How do I know if the soil drains well?

Dig a hole 12 inches deep and fill it with water. If it takes more than 24 hours to drain, your soil is likely too heavy.

Kousa dogwood: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil depth to see if it is soggy.
Check if the tree is planted in a low spot.
Observe if leaves are yellowing prematurely.

Likely causes

Poor Drainage
Possible
How to tell: The leaves may yellow and drop while the soil remains wet for days after rain. The roots will appear mushy or dark instead of firm and white.
What to do: Improve soil drainage by amending the area with organic matter. Avoid planting in low spots where water pools after storms.
Overwatering
Possible
How to tell: The tree shows signs of wilting even when the soil is wet. This happens when roots are deprived of oxygen due to excess water.
What to do: Adjust your watering schedule to every 7 to 14 days. Ensure the soil dries slightly at the surface before adding more water.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your kousa 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.

When to worry

If the tree is losing large amounts of foliage and the bark at the base feels soft, the damage may be extensive. This is a serious condition that requires immediate soil correction.

Stopping it coming back

Plant your dogwood in well draining soil and never mulch right up against the trunk.

Kousa dogwood: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your kousa dogwood and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I save a tree with root rot?: If caught early, you can save it by stopping irrigation and improving drainage. If the roots are mostly black and mushy, recovery is unlikely.
How do I know if the soil drains well?: Dig a hole 12 inches deep and fill it with water. If it takes more than 24 hours to drain, your soil is likely too heavy.

Why is my Kousa dogwood looking sick at the roots?