Is this Birch in trouble?

Dan0 · 5th October 2008, 11:08 PM

Hi,
I inherited this tree, a birch, from the previous owners of my home. I know I should cut those small shoots around its base; I’m just waiting until the tree looses all its leaves for the winter. Should I do anything about the large branch going off to the left? Will this grow into a strong tree or is it doomed to be very weak?

Thanks!

pcarborist · 6th October 2008, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan0

Hi,
I inherited this tree, a birch, from the previous owners of my home. I know I should cut those small shoots around its base;

DanO, that's fine but I wouldn't remove all of them. The natural growthform for this species is multi-stem, you need some suckers for regeneration if something happens to the parent stem. Also, these suckers manufacture food for the plant.

Quote:

Should I do anything about the large branch going off to the left? Will this grow into a strong tree or is it doomed to be very weak?

I wouldn't, from your photo it appears healthy. I would encourage the birch to attain its natural growthform. One caveat, remove any stems that are DDD (dead, dying, diseased), mechanically rubbing on each other or are growing into the center.

I’m just waiting until the tree looses all its leaves for the winter.
Thanks![/QUOTE]

Dan0 · 6th October 2008, 02:46 AM

Won't removing the suckers allow the main tree to grow faster and stronger?

newguy18 · 6th October 2008, 04:26 AM

That tree is fine,i'd leave it alone for now.

Knotahippie · 6th October 2008, 06:50 AM

Looks like a nice tree to me...

I think the big stem on the left is too old to cut now without letting decay in to the root crown. Birches tend have root rot problems when injured in this area. All the other "suckers" will shade the roots in the summer.

The only problem I see is the mulch against the trunk. I'd mulch to just beyond the dripline.

TreeSpecialist · 6th October 2008, 11:24 PM

It appears to be planted way too deep.

Pull the mulch back from the trunk down to the soil and submit a picture of what you find.

treeseer · 7th October 2008, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TreeSpecialist

It appears to be planted way too deep.

Pull the mulch back from the trunk down to the soil and submit a picture of what you find.

yes, you should dig down until you see where the root suckers arise from so you can cut them cleanly at their origin.

The left trunk is rubbing the main trunk; you can leave it if you like the look or prune it carefully at its origin.

can anyone id the sp.?

Knotahippie · 7th October 2008, 06:52 PM

Maybe Betula alba?

5th October 2008, 11:08 PM	#1
Dan0 Sappling Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Canada Posts: 40	Is this Birch in trouble? Hi, I inherited this tree, a birch, from the previous owners of my home. I know I should cut those small shoots around its base; I’m just waiting until the tree looses all its leaves for the winter. Should I do anything about the large branch going off to the left? Will this grow into a strong tree or is it doomed to be very weak? Thanks! Attached Thumbnails

6th October 2008, 02:46 AM	#3
Dan0 Sappling Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Canada Posts: 40	Re: Is this Birch in trouble? Won't removing the suckers allow the main tree to grow faster and stronger?

6th October 2008, 04:26 AM	#4
newguy18 Part of the Furniture Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: orlando,fl Posts: 4,977	Re: Is this Birch in trouble? That tree is fine,i'd leave it alone for now. __________________ Have your say join us today. old schooler

6th October 2008, 06:50 AM	#5
Knotahippie Mature tree Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bay Area Ca. Posts: 358	Re: Is this Birch in trouble? Looks like a nice tree to me... I think the big stem on the left is too old to cut now without letting decay in to the root crown. Birches tend have root rot problems when injured in this area. All the other "suckers" will shade the roots in the summer. The only problem I see is the mulch against the trunk. I'd mulch to just beyond the dripline. Attached Thumbnails

6th October 2008, 11:24 PM	#6
TreeSpecialist Mature tree Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 373	Re: Is this Birch in trouble? It appears to be planted way too deep. Pull the mulch back from the trunk down to the soil and submit a picture of what you find. __________________

7th October 2008, 06:52 PM	#8
Knotahippie Mature tree Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bay Area Ca. Posts: 358	Re: Is this Birch in trouble? Maybe Betula alba?

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