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Infestation of 3 river birch trees #744714

Asked April 16, 2021, 5:11 PM EDT

We have 3 River Birch trees in the backyard. They are 4 years old. They seem infested and do no produce any leaves etc. I am asking what seems to be the problem, can they recover and if not is there something that is living in the soil that would destroy a replacement tree? Thank you.

Kent County Michigan

Expert Response

Hello

Before I send this to our expert please tell us, what care these birches received- were they fertilized or watered over the 4 years?

Would you please attach a picture of the trunks going into the ground? Also, take one more picture of a branch with buds in stronger light (wait for sunshine if possible)


Thank you.

Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied April 16, 2021, 6:24 PM EDT
Dear Laura S.
Here are additional photos you asked for. If they are still not what you want, please don’t hesitate to ask again.
The trees were not fertilized but watered through the sprinkler system.
I greatly appreciate your help, and Thank you.
Toni

On Friday, April 16, 2021, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
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Dear Toni, here's the response to your question:

Hello

Before I send this to our expert please tell us, what care these birches received- were they fertilized or watered over the 4 years?

Would you please attach a picture of the trunks going into the ground? Also, take one more picture of a branch with buds in stronger light (wait for sunshine if possible)


Thank you.


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Thank you for your question!   Laura S.     Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer
You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at <personal data hidden> with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources.

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The Question Asker Replied April 17, 2021, 1:04 PM EDT

Hi Tony, thanks for the question.  

The lateness of the leaves indicates the tree is under stress. This seems to be a rather common reaction to cold winter, underwatering, etc.  River birch like moist soils and a sprinkler may not supply enough water to your tree, especially if the soil is sandy.  River birch likes its pH between 4.5 and 7.5.  Another possible stressor is the mulch up against the trunk.  Rake it back to about 6 inches away.  It also appears that the tree flare isn't showing which like the mulch can do damage over time.  Keep this in mind if you need to plant a new one.  Also, the tree looks like it could use a pruning (late summer) to rid it of dead, diseased, disfigured, crossing limbs, and aesthetics. As for what you should do now is to be patient, pay attention to soil moisture. Your tree should eventually leaf out.  Check out the following links:

I hope this helps.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 17, 2021, 10:16 PM EDT

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