Dead dogwood - Ask Extension
We have several red gnome dogwoods in our urban back yard, one of which has suddenly died. Around the base we can see tiny webs with white specks that...
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Dead dogwood #935539
Asked June 15, 2026, 11:33 AM EDT
We have several red gnome dogwoods in our urban back yard, one of which has suddenly died. Around the base we can see tiny webs with white specks that don’t photograph well. Can we save the plant by cutting it all the way back? Should we dig it up and dispose of it? We dont want the disease to spread to the nearby dogwoods. Thank you.
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Clear away the leaves at the base of the plant to see if any other damage or insects are found.
Following are web sites for insects that attack dogwoods.
https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/insect-and-related-pests-of-shrubs/pests-of-dogwood
https://www.uky.edu/Ag/Entomology/treepestguide/dogwd.html
This is a possible culprit.
https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/spider-mites
Inspect with a hand lens to see if you can photograph any insect. If found and matches with any of the insects in the above web pages, then use the listed treaments.
Removing the plant including roots, mulch and debris around it is a possible prevention against the problem spreading.
Following are web sites for insects that attack dogwoods.
https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/insect-and-related-pests-of-shrubs/pests-of-dogwood
https://www.uky.edu/Ag/Entomology/treepestguide/dogwd.html
This is a possible culprit.
https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/spider-mites
Inspect with a hand lens to see if you can photograph any insect. If found and matches with any of the insects in the above web pages, then use the listed treaments.
Removing the plant including roots, mulch and debris around it is a possible prevention against the problem spreading.
