Anthracnose-afflicted dogwoods simply do not get better - they just continue to decline until you finally pull the plug. I consider the problem a bit like "tree cancer". Replace it. Many of the Korean dogwoods (Cornus kousa) are quite anthracnose resistant but the hybrids even more so. Consider the Rutgers University hybrids, like 'Stellar Pink'. Or 'Venus' or 'Eddie's White Wonder' for a white flowered tree.

No need to worry about the witch hazel - dogwood anthracnose is restricted to dogwoods. Would need to see photos of the Hamamelis to diagnose what may be ailing it. It can have its own set of problems.

Thanks Gardengal. We'll be going shopping this weekend, a hardship I know. ;) We've got our eye on a Cornus Kousa Satomi.

'Satomi' can be quite prone. Look at something else.

I've seen other infested C. florida here vary over time, with many having quite a nice bloom awhile back.

There was a master gardener at the nursery and she advised against planting another dogwood in the same spot so I came home with a stewartia pseudocamellia instead.

Guess I'll just have to admire the boulevard dogwoods from now on. Or wait until another tree dies. ;)

Oyyy!! There is absolutely NO reason not to replant with a dogwood, especially an anthracnose-resistant cultivar. It's not like it's a soil borne disease like verticillium wilt. But, if you had to make a choice for something else, Stewartia pseudocamellia is a very nice - maybe even superior - alternative.