Dakota Pinnacle Birch, yellowing fast - Ask Extension
We have four newly transplanted Dakota Pinnacle Birch (about 8-9 ft). Three of them are yellowing fast, some leaves falling. They are in fairly typi...
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Dakota Pinnacle Birch, yellowing fast #711635
Asked August 10, 2020, 12:39 PM EDT
We have four newly transplanted Dakota Pinnacle Birch (about 8-9 ft). Three of them are yellowing fast, some leaves falling. They are in fairly typical west suburbs soil (clay), but hole was amended when planted in May 2020. Walnut Trees are at least 15 feet away (juglone issue?). We have hand-picked JapBeetles off of only one. No sign of borer, etc. QUESTIONS: (1) If simply transplant stress, should we keep watering throughout rest of August and September anyway? (2) Is there anything else we can do to help them flourish, whether transplant stress or something else?
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Hi,
I believe that your birch is a variety of white birch and these are, indeed, susceptible to juglone “poisoning.” Fifteen feet may not be enough distance; juglone can be present in the soil even beyond the black walnut’s canopy. See this: https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-and-plant-advice/horticulture-care/plants-tolerant-black-walnut-toxicity
I think your best course of action is to move these trees if you can and keep them well watered until the first freeze.
I believe that your birch is a variety of white birch and these are, indeed, susceptible to juglone “poisoning.” Fifteen feet may not be enough distance; juglone can be present in the soil even beyond the black walnut’s canopy. See this: https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-and-plant-advice/horticulture-care/plants-tolerant-black-walnut-toxicity
I think your best course of action is to move these trees if you can and keep them well watered until the first freeze.
Thank you. I’d hoped it was just transplant shock. Okay—thanks for the advise!
I would have thought so, too, until you mentioned the walnut trees!
