Cankers can be caused by fungal or bacterial bodies. It can cause distortion, discoloration and cracking in the branch or trunk and can be fatal to the landscape plants. Most cankers are difficult to control with chemicals and some can be pruned out the plant. It is important to sanitize your pruners between EVERY cut so you reduce the risk of spreading the canker to the next branch. We’ve found dogwoods to be one of the most susceptible shrubs to be attacked by canker. Plants that are weakened by drought, winter damage or other outside factors can make a tree more likely to develop canker. Some healthy plants are able to fight off canker and are not affected.
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Nebraska Nursery & Color Gardens
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