Dogwoods across the Piedmont Triad are dropping leaves earlier than usual this summer, and heat stress is usually the reason.
Dogwoods naturally prefer some shade and consistent moisture, so a stretch of hot, dry weather can push a stressed tree to shed leaves early as a way of conserving water.
It's not always a sign of a dying tree, but repeated stress over several summers can weaken a dogwood enough that it becomes more vulnerable to disease or dieback.
A little extra water and mulch during a hot stretch can go a long way for a dogwood that's already showing signs of stress.
Have you noticed any of your dogwoods dropping leaves earlier than usual this summer?
#PiedmontTriad
Photo of a dogwood tree with early leaf drop or thinning canopy, showing visible stress.
Canva text suggestion: "Is Your Dogwood Showing Heat Stress?" or "Early Leaf Drop, What It Means"