Few Buds on Recently Planted River Birch - Ask Extension
Hi there!
Last fall I had a river birch planted in my yard. It was planted with care, mulched, and watered. I did not water it except for once or t...
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Few Buds on Recently Planted River Birch #868282
Asked May 13, 2024, 6:23 PM EDT
Hi there!
Last fall I had a river birch planted in my yard. It was planted with care, mulched, and watered. I did not water it except for once or twice during the winter.
Now, only one of the four or so trunks has any buds! I'm very worried the other trunks have died, but I'm not sure if I should wait to see if anything comes to life or take a different action. I'm attaching current photos and one photo from the fall.
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
Hi Dan,
Thank you for the question. I am sorry to hear about your tree, it sounds like you did everything right!
I would snap a branch tip on the top of one branch without buds. Is it green or brown? Dry and brittle? If you see dry, brittle, and brown, that is a good indication that the trunk is dead. If it is still green, it may just be a late bloomer.
Either way, I would check with the nursery and /or the person who planted it for a warranty (if dead) or advice (if living).
Please reach back if you have further questions.
Thank you for the support!! I will check the branch later today and move forward accordingly.
