Birch Tree Concern

14 years ago

I jumped over from the Computer Help Forum as I need some direction.

I have a mature 25-30 foot four trunk white paper birch tree. Last year in the early Spring one of the trunks looked like it had been shot numerous times with a BB gun and it was bleeding red. I monitored the tree and it performed with no ill effects.

This Spring the same issue occurred and subsequently half of the leaves died before maturity; mostly full limbs.

I have had previous contract with leaf miners and I can assure you I have never seen this characteristic before.

I am prepared to remove the entire trunk to preserve the remaining tree, but wanted to confirm the need and perhaps obtain information on a prophylactic approach for the remaining trunks.

Thanks.

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Comments (6)

Dan _Staley (5b Sunset 2B AHS 7)
14 years ago
Borers. Contact your County Extension Agent to find out which treatment(s) work best in your area. Maybe taking one trunk out will work, maybe not.

Dan
erindale
14 years ago
Hi DA,
I have been having Birch issues as well, but of a different sort. Many people have guessed that my problem was the bronze birch borer, which leave holes shaped like the letter "D" when the adults exit in spring. Look at the recent thread titled "Weeping Birch Ailing" to see some recommendations for the borers. Also see the link below, I found it useful.

Good luck.
Erin

Here is a link that might be useful: Guide to Birch trees
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Hi there, Stax. Thanks so much for assuming I didn’t have a conversation with my own child. What a dumb comment to make. Last time I checked this wasn’t a parenting app? The point of the post was this: I know nothing about trees, especially River birch trees, some kids thought it would be fun to peel lots of bark off...does it look okay, in your experience, or should I maybe take action (I.e, wrap the tree, have someone come out and look at it). The only thing I know about tree bark it functions like somewhat like “skin” and is what provides nutrients to the tree and that a tree can be girdled or die from de barking. Simple as that. As far as I’m concerned how I handle the situation is my business only. I only explained what happened so that anyone who reads this post had context as to how the damage occurred. As for parenting, at the of the day all children should be taught by their guardians to respect other people’s property 🤷🏼‍♀️
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DA_Mccoy
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks folks. I sure do appreciate the help. As you know better than I you only get one chance with a tree.

If you ever need any computer help stop over to the Forum. There's a lot of capable members there to help.

DA
izzie
14 years ago
The holes maybe wood peckers. If it was a yellow bellied sap sucker (my son did a school report on this bird once) they make rows of holes and are more destructive than other wood peckers. My parents had a birch in front yard for about 40 years. On a number of years the salt from winter/road salt damaged the tree but it always came back. (sparse leaves on the street side of tree) It was was cut down a few years ago because it was dying. Some young men that make musical instruments saw it was being cut down and wanted the trunk to make (guitars or something like that)It was at least 1 1/2 ft across.
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
14 years ago
As you know better than I you only get one chance with a tree.

====

no.. no.. no...

when and if it dies... you go get another tree ... and choose one that does NOT have the problems you wish to avoid ...

if i had said the same about my computer.. i would have thrown it away a long time ago ..

my point .. if i have one.. trees come and go.. just like friends... when the time comes for it to go .. dont go all philosophical about it...

if it is bug infested ... AND MAKE SURE IT IS.... then it has to go.. no melancholy nonsense about just one chance..

this tree has to lead.. follow or get out of the way ....

have a great day ..

ken
DA_Mccoy
Original Author
14 years ago
Sorry I didn't provide this information. I live in rural America, and with my woods and what not have all the wonderful trees that I could ever wish for. It just happens that this particular tree sits in the middle of the front yard and I hope to save it. Also, at sixty years of age I don't have a lot of time left waiting for a new plant to mature.

DA

Birch Tree Concern

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Dan _Staley (5b Sunset 2B AHS 7)

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