Knowledgebase
birch tree problem #844618
Asked August 07, 2023, 6:12 PM EDT
The leaves on one of our birch trees are curling up and turning brown on the edges. Looking with the naked eye, we do not see any bugs on the leaves or any webs. It does not seem to be dropping its leaves, as there are none on the ground under the tree, but there are bare patches on some branches. I will send pictures one at a time.
Oakland County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Mari-Linn,
It's a little hard to tell from your picture, but are the browning leaves and branches concentrated near the top of your tree?
The symptoms shown in your pictures look to be related more to watering than a disease. What you are seeing could indicate either too much or too little water. How old is the tree, and are we sure it was planted properly? Trees planted at an improper depth can have all sorts of issues. Take a look at these resources to determine if your tree was properly planted and that you're using best practices for mulching around the tree.
https://www.treesaregood.org/Portals/0/TreesAreGood_New%20Tree%20Planting_0621.pdf
https://www.treesaregood.org/Portals/0/TreesAreGood_Proper%20Mulch%20Tech_0321.pdf
If you still believe this might be disease-related, here is a good resource from Minnesota, outlining the diseases birch trees can get. None of these seem to fit what you are seeing though, which is why I think the issue might be water-stress.
https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/birch/leavesspots.html
You can also find a certified arborist to inspect your tree in-person for further diagnosis and treatment. https://www.treesaregood.org/
