Preventative measures: The USDA Forest Service: Northeastern Area (UNDATED) states that, "Dogwoods receiving good cultural care will be better able to withstand D. destructiva during years in which the disease is favoured by weather conditions. Remove succulent branches as they form to prevent trunk canker formation. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers, which stimulate succulent branching." The USDA Forest Service: Southern Region (UNDATED) also offers suggestions for managing D. destructiva: "Inspect trees frequently to detect the presence of the disease in its early stages. Select healthy planting stock. If symptoms are seen on the planting stock, dispose of the infected trees. Avoid sites along streams, lakes, or ponds where moisture will remain on the foliage for many hours after sunrise. Prune and completely remove or destroy dead wood in the tree and leaves on the ground yearly. Avoid mechanical and chemical injuries to the trees. Lawnmower and string-trimmer wounds are particularly troublesome."
Chemical: Fungicides should be used only to supplement a cultural control program. Applications of chlorothalonil, mancozeb will protect against leaf infections. Apply fungicides registered for prevention or control of dogwood anthracnose when it is necessary to do so. Fungicides should be applied as buds are breaking in the spring and at least twice thereafter as the leaves are expanding (USDA Forest Service). 
