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Can our weeping birch be saved? #752650

Asked May 28, 2021, 2:10 AM EDT

We were grateful to watch Nicole Sanchez's hour-long lecture on "How to Identify and Manage Birch Borer Infestation''. We have a 90 year old weeping birch in our back yard that arborists say is 20-30% affected. A 7 foot limb just fell down 2 ft away from me, so we need to act quickly. We have gotten varying bids on injecting it with Acephate (which you didn't mention) or Imidicloprid (and pruning it) and bids on cutting it down. One question we didn't hear asked or covered in your Q and A was: How long do Weeping Birches tend to live? Is our 90 yr old. 80 foot tree at the end of it's life? If so, then we'll opt for cutting it down. If not, we'll pay the money to keep it alive. Thank you for your time!!

Marion County Oregon

Expert Response

Hi Mr. Bergel, I think  we might have spoken before. Thanks for watching the video!

You may have asked a question that no one knows the exact answer to... estimates for birches appear to be between 80-150 years, depending on the species. River birch seems to have the shortest lifespan, but I couldn't find specifics on weeping birch. Below are some links that illustrate the lifespan range attributed to birch trees- only the first is a strong source I'd have great confidence in.

As for the acephate/ imidicloprid question, based on my research- the imidicloprid is liekly to remain in the tree far longer. This is good for controlling the pest, bad for potential pollinator interaction. Both acephate and imidicloprid have potential risks to pollinators, but the precise risk is undefined and depends on pollinators interacting with pollen that is mostly windborne. So far, no one's funded a study to look at pesticide residue in birch pollen in the year following application of either of these pesticides, so we only know there is some level of risk either way. I appreciate that you are thinking about the big picture with your bronze birch borer management. I hope my response is helpful. Best wishes! 

 https://bigtree.cnre.vt.edu/lifespan.html

https://www.ontwf.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/PaperBirch.pdf

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/birch/how-long-do-birch-trees-live.htm

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 02, 2021, 2:01 PM EDT
Thank you so much!



On Wednesday, June 2, 2021, 11:01:27 AM PDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied June 03, 2021, 4:37 AM EDT

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