We planted a 4-year-old dogwood, and last year, deer damage caused bark loss on one side. After spraying protectorant, the top is now dead, but the bottom is still green and healthy. Should we prune the top, and will the tree survive?
It sounds like the tree produced epicormic branches, which happens when a tree is stressed. It is hard to say if the tree will make it. You may be left with a shrub-looking dogwood. Since it is young, I would consider replacing it and putting deer guards on the stem to protect it.
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