Dakota Pinnacle Birch tree dying - Ask Extension
I have a Dakota Pinnacle Birch tree, which was growing and doing very well, start dying last year. We noticed that there was a Woodpecker in the tree...
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Dakota Pinnacle Birch tree dying #761789
Asked July 14, 2021, 4:28 PM EDT
I have a Dakota Pinnacle Birch tree, which was growing and doing very well, start dying last year. We noticed that there was a Woodpecker in the tree last year so I know there is some damage from it. I love the try but don't know if it is something I should purchase again or buy something else. From the pictures can you determine the possible cause? Is the Dakota Pinnacle Birch susceptible to bugs or birds?
Otter Tail County Minnesota
Expert Response
Diagnosis of what is causing it to fail requires an in person visit by an arborist. If it hasn’t been given an inch of water a week and watered on the days above 90 and especially those days that were above 90 with a wind lack of water is the probable cause. Mulching under the tree will help. These birch tolerate wet soils so they do need water. Grass is also very good at competing for water.
Woodpeckers attack bark that has insects underneath, so they are a response to a problem.
Pinnacle birch aren’t resistant to the major pest of birch, the bronze birch borer.
https://www.bachmans.com/information/care-advice/birchtrees
