Birch tree leaves - Ask Extension
We had a tall clump birch tree planted at our cottage last fall. It has leaves with holes and many small branches with no leaves. It is planted near...
Knowledgebase
Birch tree leaves #871048
Asked June 01, 2024, 11:56 AM EDT
We had a tall clump birch tree planted at our cottage last fall. It has leaves with holes and many small branches with no leaves. It is planted near the lake shoreline. We haven't seen any insects anywhere. What do we do?
Mecosta County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello
A tree this size takes several seasons to establish. For example, a 2 inch diameter trunk( i.e. 2 inch caliper) takes 2-3 years to become established.
https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/yardandgardenreport/2016-07-13/trees-in-shock
The tree is planted too deeply- the root collar isn’t visible. It is not too late to have the root collar excavated at the base of the tree, and grade the soil gradually back out to the lawn. A certified arborist can do this for you, or you can do it yourself, being careful not to injure any major roots.( see the links below)
Birches need water, and it is important to keep it deeply watered for the next 3-4 years during droughts( no rain forecast for 2-3 weeks). This year keep it watered all summer and early fall, even if rainfall is predicted.
The dead branches should be pruned back to a live bud or to the trunk, being careful not to cut into the branch collar near the trunk. ( see tree owners manual, pg 18)
Please see this ‘tree owners manual’ for illustrations and details on all these points.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5368392.pdf
To find a certified arborist, search by zip code here-
http://www.treesaregood.org
More on the root collar ( also known as the root flare) and exposing it so that it is at soil level.
https://csfs.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/How-to-Properly-Plant-a-Tree-Root-Flare_v2.pdf
https://www.clemson.edu/cafls/vincent/articles/show_me_your_root_flare.pdf
Once the tree roots are stable in the soil and you cannot rock the tree back and forth, remove the guy lines. Typically these are removed after being 12-24 months in place, so this fall they could be ready to be removed. A tree needs to “sway in the wind” slightly to develop strong wood.
The holes in leaves are from insects feeding on them, and some holes are to be expected. Stressed trees (i.e. just transplanted, too little or too much water, etc) are more attractive to insects.
If you spot many insects( look under the leaves, too) please take pictures and we can identify them and give you a course of action, if needed. A few insects here and there are not a concern.
A tree this size takes several seasons to establish. For example, a 2 inch diameter trunk( i.e. 2 inch caliper) takes 2-3 years to become established.
https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/yardandgardenreport/2016-07-13/trees-in-shock
The tree is planted too deeply- the root collar isn’t visible. It is not too late to have the root collar excavated at the base of the tree, and grade the soil gradually back out to the lawn. A certified arborist can do this for you, or you can do it yourself, being careful not to injure any major roots.( see the links below)
Birches need water, and it is important to keep it deeply watered for the next 3-4 years during droughts( no rain forecast for 2-3 weeks). This year keep it watered all summer and early fall, even if rainfall is predicted.
The dead branches should be pruned back to a live bud or to the trunk, being careful not to cut into the branch collar near the trunk. ( see tree owners manual, pg 18)
Please see this ‘tree owners manual’ for illustrations and details on all these points.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5368392.pdf
To find a certified arborist, search by zip code here-
http://www.treesaregood.org
More on the root collar ( also known as the root flare) and exposing it so that it is at soil level.
https://csfs.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/How-to-Properly-Plant-a-Tree-Root-Flare_v2.pdf
https://www.clemson.edu/cafls/vincent/articles/show_me_your_root_flare.pdf
Once the tree roots are stable in the soil and you cannot rock the tree back and forth, remove the guy lines. Typically these are removed after being 12-24 months in place, so this fall they could be ready to be removed. A tree needs to “sway in the wind” slightly to develop strong wood.
The holes in leaves are from insects feeding on them, and some holes are to be expected. Stressed trees (i.e. just transplanted, too little or too much water, etc) are more attractive to insects.
If you spot many insects( look under the leaves, too) please take pictures and we can identify them and give you a course of action, if needed. A few insects here and there are not a concern.
