River birch trees are dying! - Ask Extension
My 25 year old river birch trees are covered in lychens, this past summer there wasn’t any foliage at the tops of the trees, and now branches are br...
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River birch trees are dying! #546281
Asked March 08, 2019, 2:17 PM EST
My 25 year old river birch trees are covered in lychens, this past summer there wasn’t any foliage at the tops of the trees, and now branches are breaking off in record numbers. I have many more photos if you’d like to see them as this form only allows me to submit three. Can you PLEASE help??
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
The close-up photo shows that there is a decay fungus in the branch. Decomposition is already at work and there is no cure for this. River birches are not long-lived trees. Typically this species lives to about 30 years, so these are coming to the end of their lifespan. You could have the dead portions of the tree pruned out by a licensed tree expert, or replace the trees. https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/how-do-you-decide-when-remove-tree
If you would like to have the trees evaluated by a certified arborist, you can find one near you by using the "find an arborist" search on the website of the International Society of Arboriculure. http://www.treesaregood.org/
ckc
If you would like to have the trees evaluated by a certified arborist, you can find one near you by using the "find an arborist" search on the website of the International Society of Arboriculure. http://www.treesaregood.org/
ckc
I apologize for the delay in responding- I’ve been in shock after reading your reply. While I am devastated with your conclusion, I GREATLY appreciate you taking the time to educate me with regard to the problem plaguing my trees as well as sending me the link to the arborists’ organization which I did not know existed. Again, sincere thanks. Alexa
You're welcome.
