Birch tree no leaves opened on top half - Ask Extension
I planted a birch tree in my new landscape last fall. It opened this spring, but only on the bottom half. Should I have the landscaper replace it, o...
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Birch tree no leaves opened on top half #334888
Asked June 21, 2016, 1:49 PM EDT
I planted a birch tree in my new landscape last fall. It opened this spring, but only on the bottom half. Should I have the landscaper replace it, or will it come back? (It is under warranty but only for one year so I don't want to risk waiting until next spring to see if it will bud fully.)
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
I recommend replacing asking your landscaper to replace the tree. If it hasn't leafed out fully by now, it's likely this tree is dying.
I noticed there is a pretty clear line around the tree's root ball showing in the soil. It looks like the tree may still have burlap on it or the hole was dug too small in heavy clay soil. The hole should be about 2X the width of the root ball size. This will encourage the tree roots to spread out horizontally. The tree should be planted at the same depth as it is in the container / ball. Planting and Transplanting Trees and Shrubs
Watering is critical to the success of new trees. The following publication, Watering New Trees and Shrubs, explains how to know how much and how frequently to water.
I noticed there is a pretty clear line around the tree's root ball showing in the soil. It looks like the tree may still have burlap on it or the hole was dug too small in heavy clay soil. The hole should be about 2X the width of the root ball size. This will encourage the tree roots to spread out horizontally. The tree should be planted at the same depth as it is in the container / ball. Planting and Transplanting Trees and Shrubs
Watering is critical to the success of new trees. The following publication, Watering New Trees and Shrubs, explains how to know how much and how frequently to water.
