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Sooty Mold River Birch trees #869182

Asked May 19, 2024, 11:46 PM EDT

HI, Is there any way to treat sooty mold on our young river birch trees? Thanks. John

Baltimore County Maryland

Expert Response

We don't recommend treating for sooty mold. It is harmless and simply grows on the sticky honeydew that is excreted by sucking insects such as aphids and scale. It's a tough native tree and likely the insects are native too and evolved together over eons in harmony with other flora and fauna.
They make many more leaves than they need and regularly drop extras or affected ones during the season and still do o.k.


Christine

Answered by theHome and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied May 20, 2024, 1:42 PM EDT
Thanks very much, Christine.  That relieves us of worry!
Best wishes for your continuing good work on our behalf.
John

On Mon, May 20, 2024 at 1:42 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied May 21, 2024, 3:07 PM EDT
You're welcome!
Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied May 21, 2024, 5:26 PM EDT

The response from Christine was prompt and helpful and has helped us move forward with other outside projects without worrying about the birches.

The Question Asker Replied June 04, 2024, 11:10 PM EDT

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