Declining Heritage River Birch

[carol g 0]

I have an HR Birch that is about 20 years old.  When first planted there were 5 trunks, and over the years 2 trunks were lost due to storm damage. 

 

In the last three years, leaf size has diminished and leaves have fallen early.  This year, one of the remaining trunks did not leaf out at all.  Is there any chance that the leafless trunk is exhibiting symptoms of recent drought years, and might bounce back next year?  Or should I contact the tree service and have it removed?  I am beginning to consider what to plant as a replacement, as I am not optimistic about the future of this tree.

 

I welcome all suggestions,

thank you.

Carol

[Dsmith74 16]

I'm no arborist, but I've never seen a deciduous tree in a temperate climate "skip a year" when it comes to leafing out. Leaf out, get defoliated, and not grow new leaves until the next year, yes. But never not leaf out at all, then leaf out the next year. 

 

I'd want to find out why it is declining before looking for a replacement. If it's a birch-specific disease or pest, then no problem (just don't plant another birch). But if it's a site-specific issue, like a permanent drainage change, or a light change, or some other environmental issue, you will want to make sure and choose something that is adapted to the current conditions. 

[carol g 0]

Dsmith74,

Your comment "leaf out, get defoliated, and not grow new leaves until next year" made me realize that I did not notice the lack of leaves until now.  Looking closer, all trunks are shedding some leaves now and the bare trunk may have leafed out this year - I simply never noticed until it was bare.

 

Since the trunk in question does not appear to pose a threat to my home or neighbor's home, I may stand down on calling a tree service to remove it, but the branches on that trunk look dead. I will try to post a photo within the next few days.

 

thank you,

Carol