The Dogwood is now about 31 years old; a house gift.

It is located in front yard, which measures approximately 30 feet from
house to blacktop street pavement. Located about 12 feet from the
house and about 15 feet from the street. No sidewalks/driveway
nearby. Two small Azalia shrubs located about 8 feet to South side of
property.

However, there is a septic system overflow pit very close to the tree.
I recently had the overflow pit located, and know that it is
approximately 5.5 feet below grade level. Some of the larger tree
branches overhang the overflow pit by about 1 foot. No chemicals were
put into this overflow pit, for fear of killing the tree.

I noticed that the (two) missing bark seems to be on the North face of
the tree vertical trunk.




On Sat, 28 Oct 2006 13:44:11 GMT, "JoeSpareBedroom"
wrote:

"Vince" wrote in message
.. .

I noticed that the Dogwood has several areas that are about six or
seven inches long where the bark of the tree is missing, lengthwise
along the vertical limbs.

I confess that I have not given this tree any attention; no
fertilizer/food over the years. It does not bloom flowers for a very
long time in springtime.

Is this a good time of year to put in fertilizer/food stakes around
the base of the Dogwood? If not, when is best time to give it a
feeding ?

Thanks.

Vince
On Long Island, NY

Please describe where your dogwood is planted, relative to things like
sidewalks, blacktop driveway, and buildings. It's sometimes relevant to
what's happening to the tree.