Sick birch trees? - Ask Extension
Hello, i have 7 birch trees in my front yard we moved into this home 3 months ago and the previous owner told us he had planted the young birches one ...
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Sick birch trees? #804854
Asked August 05, 2022, 5:09 PM EDT
Hello, i have 7 birch trees in my front yard we moved into this home 3 months ago and the previous owner told us he had planted the young birches one year before we moved in. 5 of the trees look healthy and 2 don’t look very good. I am enclosing photos of one of the healthy trees and some photos of the unhealthy trees with a close up of what the leaves look like and how the bark also looks different from the healthy tree ( whitish and peeling). Can you tell me what might be causing this and if there is anything i can do to save the trees. I live in southeast Bend. Thank you very much. Jane Klonsky
Deschutes County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Jane:
My first question would be are they getting a regular good deep watering? Trees under stress are susceptible to other types of damage. Birch like moisture and a cool atmosphere for their shallow roots, so watering and mulch are essential. Water regularly and deeply (about 10 inches). Some shade is not a bad idea, although that may be out of your control. From the pictures you sent, I don't see evidence of insects boring into the trunk, I believe the peeling bark is from either frost damage or sun scald. The trees should recover once they are no longer stressed.
There is one insect that is trouble for white birch trees. I don't think this is your issue, but want to alert you to it. It is called the Bronze Birch Borer. You usually notice damage at the top of the tree first. I'm attaching a bulletin about it with additional information, just in case.
Bronze Birch Borer
Thank you for your question,
My first question would be are they getting a regular good deep watering? Trees under stress are susceptible to other types of damage. Birch like moisture and a cool atmosphere for their shallow roots, so watering and mulch are essential. Water regularly and deeply (about 10 inches). Some shade is not a bad idea, although that may be out of your control. From the pictures you sent, I don't see evidence of insects boring into the trunk, I believe the peeling bark is from either frost damage or sun scald. The trees should recover once they are no longer stressed.
There is one insect that is trouble for white birch trees. I don't think this is your issue, but want to alert you to it. It is called the Bronze Birch Borer. You usually notice damage at the top of the tree first. I'm attaching a bulletin about it with additional information, just in case.
Bronze Birch Borer
Thank you for your question,
Hello Cristi,
Thanks for your response. I really appreciate it.
The trees are getting a good watering. AI didn’t know that they had shallow roots. They are in full sun. How often should I be watering and I’m not sure how much water is needed to go to 10” deep. It’s possible the peeling bark is due to sun scald as it’s been so hot here.
I don’t think there are bugs, but I can’t be sure. Only one of the trees has lost some of the top branches. Even if there is evidence of bugs, I won’t use pesticides as I have 3 dogs and don’t think that would be healthy for the dogs.
I do appreciate our interest.
Thanks,
Jane Klonsky
On Aug 10, 2022, at 4:45 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Hi Jane:
Every watering situation is unique, based on the volume of water emitted, type of soil you have, and other factors. I've attached a bulletin that explains how to measure how long to water to get the depth you want. Once you have the formula for your situation, you'll be set.
Watering established Trees and Shrubs
Once you open the article, click on "how much water to use", you will see a paragraph titled "watering plan"... that's where you'll find the formula.
Hope the trees settle in for you,
Every watering situation is unique, based on the volume of water emitted, type of soil you have, and other factors. I've attached a bulletin that explains how to measure how long to water to get the depth you want. Once you have the formula for your situation, you'll be set.
Watering established Trees and Shrubs
Once you open the article, click on "how much water to use", you will see a paragraph titled "watering plan"... that's where you'll find the formula.
Hope the trees settle in for you,
