Cornus Controversa Variegata - Help
My beautiful tree which has been in the ground about 15 years but has only ever grown to about 8 feet has got severe dieback on the branches. It's always had the odd bit that died back but now it is extending to large branches. Does the tree have a shelf life or is it the drought as we have had virtually no rain since the spring. It had a lot of growth this year below the graft which I took off recently but to no avail!
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I suggest you post a photo if you can but if the dieback is bad and the rootstock is taking over it's probably best to take it out, refresh the soil with plenty of well rotted garden compost and some manure and plant another this autumn so it can get its roots down over winter. You will still need to water it in dry periods every year as it seems drought is going to be a regular event..
I agree with others that it’s drought. We have one of a similar age, and the last couple of years have had to water it from time to time. Luckily it is in a prominent position so we spot it immediately if the leaves start to flop.