Can I save my Birch Tree

Darla

Here in Southern Ontario we had a wicked wind storm in early May.
I had some damage to the fence but thought nothing of my Trees, they looked fine, they were still standing. It was a bit early for them to be in bloom so the thought never crossed my mind - until now.
My Birch is half dead or so it looks, Is there anything I can do to save it?
the tree was Planted about 15 years ago. Has always been healthy. I would hate to lose it.

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Brent Ferris

Wait and see. Hard to tell from the pic what the buds and health of the crown are like, Need to see branches, buds from different angles without the maple in the background

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Garry Brockley

Birch can get a range of problems, they are not the hardiest of trees, i found this piece on them written by Irum Sarfaraz on ehow

Birch Polypore
Birch polypore is caused by a light-brown tree fungus called Piptoporus betulinus. The fungus infects the tree through any wounds and progresses downward to the roots. The fruiting bodies of the fungus have a smooth surface, and the disease makes the tree highly susceptible to breakage. In addition to the silver birch, birch polypore is also likely to infect the downy birch. Preventative measures include the immediate removal of all infected tree parts.

Blushing Bracket
Blushing bracket is a fungal disease caused by Daedaleopsis confragosa. The disease is characterized by the appearance of kidney-shaped, semi-circles of fungal growth attached to the tree. The fungal bodies are about 6 inches and reddish-brown in color. They turn a pinkish-red or "blush" when pressed. The fungal growth appears in tiers on the tree. Controlling the fungus is not considered necessary. Blushing bracket also affects willow and alder trees.

Birch Besom
Birch besom is caused by the fungus Taphrina betulina. The disease creates thick, round, distinct bushes resembling a witch's broom in the tree branches. The fungus stays in the tree for many years and continues to create this broom-like growth. The tree is rarely severely damaged and only in cases of heavy infestation. No control is generally used for the disease. Besides the silver birch, the fungus also afflicts downy birch.

Hope that helps
Garry B

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gsward

Is this a clump birch, or is the leaning branch broke off the main stem?

If it is a clump , and if it hasn't leafed out by mid summer I would say prune out the dead stem at the ground but, beyond any collar.

gsward

Birch's cannot tolerate wet saturated soil. Do not over water your lawn. Birchs do best in moist well drained soil with just a light bit of mulch under them.
High ground better than low ground.