Red or River Birch Disease - Ask Extension
The tree grew well for past five years but this year entire foliage has shriveled leaves with brown spots at the edge (see attached photos). What is ...
Knowledgebase
Red or River Birch Disease #476806
Asked August 08, 2018, 4:52 PM EDT
The tree grew well for past five years but this year entire foliage has shriveled leaves with brown spots at the edge (see attached photos). What is it and what can I do about it?
Grand Traverse County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi, there,
The leaves look like the tree may not be getting enough water - especially during hot days when the sun can intensify the temperatures. Even if you have a watering system, be sure the tree itself gets a deep watering at least weekly from rain or the hose. Deep watering means to allow the hose to run about 2-3 from the base of the tree on each side for around 20-30 minutes.
Even with a watering system, the tree may not have had enough water during these hot days to make up for the water lost through transpiration (when the trees take in and release gasses and water through the process of photosynthesis). Many trees are experiencing symptoms like there this summer - take a look at the trees around the neighborhood and you'll find yours is not the only one struggling.
I do hope this helps. If you have any further questions feel free to respond to this string or contact me using the information below.
Thank you,
Julie
The leaves look like the tree may not be getting enough water - especially during hot days when the sun can intensify the temperatures. Even if you have a watering system, be sure the tree itself gets a deep watering at least weekly from rain or the hose. Deep watering means to allow the hose to run about 2-3 from the base of the tree on each side for around 20-30 minutes.
Even with a watering system, the tree may not have had enough water during these hot days to make up for the water lost through transpiration (when the trees take in and release gasses and water through the process of photosynthesis). Many trees are experiencing symptoms like there this summer - take a look at the trees around the neighborhood and you'll find yours is not the only one struggling.
I do hope this helps. If you have any further questions feel free to respond to this string or contact me using the information below.
Thank you,
Julie
