diseased white birch - Ask Extension
I have branches that have died and are very brittle. There appears to be a black fungus (my assumption) and I am thinking possible canker. I have atta...
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diseased white birch #458767
Asked June 01, 2018, 3:04 PM EDT
I have branches that have died and are very brittle. There appears to be a black fungus (my assumption) and I am thinking possible canker. I have attached some photos and would appreciate learning what I can do to save this tree.
I appreciate any suggestions, help you can provide.
Regards,
Ken
Macomb County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
Your pictures do look like canker. The management of cankers consists of pruning back to healthy wood, and maintaining the health of the remaining tree by watering during droughts, avoiding injury to the bark and root zone, and fertilizing the tree. Here is a publication that describes various birch diseases, including cankers and management-
Consult a certified arborist to confirm you have cankers and to diagnose any other issues. She/he will provide a tree health plan that tells you when and how to fertilize and prune the tree. You can search by zip code to find arborists in your area here—- www.treesaregood.org
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