White spire clump birch

Question: Hello wondering what is going on with this birch tree. Leaves appear to be yellowing and curling. No signs of pests.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 24, 2024, 8:32 PM EDT
response: Hello, This appears to be drought stress.  Especially when evening temperatures fail to dip down low enough to give plants a break, the type of heat we have been experiencing in SE Michigan has been very hard on plants.  This cultivar of birch tends to have very shallow roots, which can dry out very quickly and stress the tree.  If you do not have a few inches of mulch around the tree extending out to the dripline (but not touching the trunk), that would be the second thing I would recommend.  The first thing would be a regular practice of a good soaking around the tree.  No plant wants to sit in standing water, so don't overdo it, but this tree clearly wants more water. Thank you for contacting Ask Extension. Ruth

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 25, 2024, 9:29 AM EDT
response: Thank you kindly Ruth for your fast reply.. You have me scratching my head as this tree is fairly close to the lake( if I dig down guessing around 12-16 inches) the soil is moist ( thought it was maybe to wet?). You can see in one photo the lake in the back ground. This type of leave curling ( like a cup) with the brown edges( the leaves start to fade in color ) started 3 summers ago( planeted in summer of 2018). We hand water regularly even though I have the in ground sprinkler system pulling from the lake water running 20 minutes daily. I have another exact tree about 20 feet the other direction that is in fine condition no signs of this problem( dryer area) . Wondering if any type of fertilizer like holly-tone brand would help.. But if you feel more water is the trick then I'll start to pour my 2 gallon watering can more often . Fingers crossed ..Plse let me know your thoughts if this helps( second thoughts?) as I would hate to lose it. Kirk Johnson 248.249.9476 cell

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 25, 2024, 9:42 AM EDT
response: Hello, If the tree is consistently moist but not sitting in water, it is probably not a moisture issue.  These trees do not love the heat, and are less resistant to heat stress than river birch.  Perhaps it is just the heat. However, you may also want to get a soil test and check for nutrient imbalances and pH.  The tree does like a more acidic soil, so checking that might be a good idea. Get a soil test kit here: https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/  The other problem that birch are vulnerable to is the bronze birch borer.  Look for a lumpy quality to the bark and D shaped exit holes in the trunk.  Your cultivar does have some resistance to this pest, but if it is stressed by heat, other pests and diseases often prey on stressed plants.  Read more about this pest here: https://extension.psu.edu/bronze-birch-borer  Thank you for contacting Ask Extension. Ruth

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 25, 2024, 10:13 AM EDT
response: Hello Ruth.. Just ordered up the home soil kit( did already back in 2020) but good to double chk anyways... Thk you could help with that acidic soil? Can I just treat this tree with a mix in my watering can? or hand sprinkle around the base with a grandular type? I'm aware of that Borer bug! I've lost a beautiful 20 ft purple clump to them and the wood pickers.. I do treat my river birch and this tree with this mix twice a year but this tree has no signs at all.. Just puzzled but the tree spouts out every spring( thk I'm going to loose it over the winter)  but around this time starts showing signs ( thought I would catch early).. It does have three trunks but only one shows this go figure right! Ok for now see if you can help with what to sprinkle around it to help with that acidic soil Thanks again Kirk :)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 25, 2024, 12:43 PM EDT
response: Hello, I would urge you to wait for the results of the soil test before you try to amend the soil in any way. I did not appreciate the fact that this tree has been doing this for several years.  I would look at the planting depth of this tree.  Can you identify the root flare? (This is the widening of the trunk that is above the root system.)  If not, your tree may be planted too deeply.  Learn more about this here:  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/trees-planted-too-deeply/ Is the tree mulched?  How deeply?  Mulching too deeply can create the same problems as planting too deeply. I would urge a closer look at that. Ruth