The Dogwood Tree

The Dogwood Tree in 2013

I returned from our road trip just in time to see the blossoms on the dogwood tree in the front yard.  Like many dogwood trees in this area, this dogwood tree is suffering from the “Dogwood Blight” (Anthracnose).   There is little that can be done to save the dogwood tree once infected.  The change in this particular tree from 2013 to 2016 has been rather drastic as you can see from the photos.

I’ve been advised to cut the dogwood tree down since there is little hope of improvement.  Last winter I had the boxwood shrubs along the front walkway (shown in the 2013 photo) removed, because boxwood in recent years has also been infected by a blight.  

The Dogwood Tree and Boxwood-2013

What should I do?  I’m reminded of the parable Jesus told about an ailing fig tree in Luke 13:6-9:  “A man had a fig-tree growing in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it, but found none.  So he said to the vine-dresser, ‘Look here!  For the last three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig-tree without finding any.  Cut it down.  Why should it go on using up the soil?’  But he replied, ‘Leave it, sir, this one year while I dig around it and manure it.  And if it bears next season, well and good; if not, you shall have it down.’”

Shall I leave the dogwood tree one more year?  Why not?  Who knows, it just might get well if given proper care and attention.  Then, again, it may not.  We are often in a hurry to cut off a relationship gone sour, or a dogwood tree that has become sick.  Perhaps waiting and giving it (a relationship or a tree) a chance, will bring about healing and health.  

The Dogwood Tree-2016