River birch branches breaking - Ask Extension
The branches on our river birch are breaking off mid way up the tree. The tree is 15yrs old. Could this be insect problems? Or left over cicada issue...
Knowledgebase
River birch branches breaking #844473
Asked August 07, 2023, 7:22 AM EDT
The branches on our river birch are breaking off mid way up the tree. The tree is 15yrs old. Could this be insect problems? Or left over cicada issues? There were round holes made symmetrically on the trunk. I saw a woodpecker in the tree one period last year. Thank you for your help, Channon
Jefferson County Kentucky
Expert Response
It could be an insect issue and you could bring a living sample in to your local extension office to send to the diagnostic lab for testing. I would also recommend having a certified arborist take a look at the tree for their recommendations.
It looks like your local extension office is Jefferson county and you can reach that agent below:
Jennifer L. Palmer
Extension Agent, Horticulture
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Jefferson County Extension Office 4200 Gardiner View Ave Louisville, Kentucky 40213-1877
