Leaf disease on Riverbirch tree - Ask Extension
Our river birch has developed brown spots (some have the yellow "halo") on the leaves of one of the three trunks. Most of the leaves have turned brown...
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Leaf disease on Riverbirch tree #430286
Asked October 07, 2017, 1:55 PM EDT
Our river birch has developed brown spots (some have the yellow "halo") on the leaves of one of the three trunks. Most of the leaves have turned brown and have fallen off. The branches are no longer pliable and break off easily. Some of the leaves on the other trunk have a few spots. How should I proceed to save this tree? It has been dry for several weeks, so I did water the tree today. Your help is greatly appreciated.
Fayette County Kentucky
Expert Response
Leaf spots on birch can be caused by several different fungi and are usually
not severe enough to warrant chemical spray controls when the tree is used in a landscape. Practical
control in the landscape includes raking up fallen leaves and disposing of them. You can also prune out shading vegetation such as nearby trees and shrubs to
promote better sunlight penetration and air movement. It is very common to find fungal leaf spots on river birch trees, especially in years with high humidity. Rarely is this detrimental to the tree. Below you will find a link that will help provide more information. Please do not hesitate to call us at the Fayette Extension Office if you have any questions or concerns,<personal data hidden>. Thanks!
