Can I fix yellow leaves with fertilizer?

Only if the yellowing is caused by a nutrient deficiency. If the cause is overwatering, adding fertilizer will actually stress the tree further.

Is it normal for leaves to turn yellow before falling?

Yes, Kousa dogwood leaves turn a beautiful reddish purple in the fall. If they turn yellow and drop in the middle of summer, that is a sign of stress.

Kousa dogwood: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil to see if it is soggy or dry.
Look at the leaf veins to see if they are still green.
Check if the yellowing is happening on the oldest leaves first.

Likely causes

Improper watering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and may feel limp or drop off prematurely. This happens if the soil stays soggy for too long or dries out completely.
What to do: Check the soil moisture 3 inches down. If it is soggy, let it dry out before watering again. If it is bone dry, water deeply every 7 to 14 days.
Iron chlorosis
Possible
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow while the veins remain bright green. This is caused by high soil pH which prevents the tree from absorbing iron.
What to do: Test your soil pH to see if it is above 7.0. You can lower the pH by adding elemental sulfur or organic matter like peat moss around the root zone.

Yellow leaves on 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

A few yellow leaves in late summer are normal as the tree prepares for fall. Worry if the yellowing is widespread or happens early in the season.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and keep the soil well drained. Avoid planting in areas where water pools after a heavy rain.

Kousa dogwood: yellow leaves? 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 fix yellow leaves with fertilizer?: Only if the yellowing is caused by a nutrient deficiency. If the cause is overwatering, adding fertilizer will actually stress the tree further.
Is it normal for leaves to turn yellow before falling?: Yes, Kousa dogwood leaves turn a beautiful reddish purple in the fall. If they turn yellow and drop in the middle of summer, that is a sign of stress.

Guides to these causes

Chlorosis

Why are my Kousa dogwood leaves turning yellow?