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New growth from dead tree into a new tree? #868216

Asked May 13, 2024, 2:32 PM EDT

Rabbits tore the bark off of a serviceberry and 2/3 of the birch trees in a cluster two winters ago. We had only planted them a few years prior, so they were still fairly young, maybe 12 feet tall and skinny. We watched how the trees did last year, but by the end of summer the serviceberry was dead and 2/3 birch shoots were dead (the other 1/3 of the birch appears to be doing fine). There are some decent sprouts coming up from the bottom of those dead trees now. It appears to be from below ground, so not directly off the dead trunk portion above ground. If we let those continue to grow, would they make suitable trees or might there be some inherent issues in letting those mature? Just wondering if we need to do full replacements. Appreciate any help you can provide. Thank you.

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Birch sprouts will do fine. I had full size birch trunks removed several years ago because of insect damage and the sprouts from the roots are now nearly full size. 

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