How to Troubleshoot Trees and Shrubs

Tree and shrub ailments can be hard to diagnose. Unless you can spot an obvious culprit, such as tent caterpillars, it is usually best to call in a pro. First, though, run through this list.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Detect the symptoms of an unhealthy plant. This is be the development of yellow areas between veins (especially common in acid lovers such as azaleas, rhododendrons, hydrangeas and camellias). You could notice dying branches, mottled, silvery or speckled leaves. Anker, or cauliflower-like growths are also common.

2. Understand the causes. Overly alkaline soil can cause the yellow areas between veins. Nitrogen deficiency could result in dying branches or wilting leaves, as can poor water drainage. Road salt, air or ground pollution can add the white or tan speckles you might see on the leaves.

3. Check the soil pH. Make sure it hovers between 6.0 and 6.8 for the healthiest conditions.

4. Remove any cankers with a pocket knife, and treat the resulting cuts with a one-part chlorine bleach, 10-parts water solution.

5. Discontinue any herbicide or pesticide use.

6. Thoroughly feed and water the plant. But no more than what is called for.

7. In subsequent days, water the plant slowly from the trunk to the drip line.

on 8/23/2006 If given a choice, Paper Birch trees would never plant themselves in a lawn. They really don't like the conditions presented by the common lawn environment (turf grass, chemicals & herbicides, etc.) However, it's hard to beat the beauty of a stately Birch tree, and I can't imagine our front yard without our beautiful, mature Paper Birch. In order to keep your Birch tree healthy and beautiful throughout its life (as well as prolonging its life), water it much like you would a newly planted tree. Birches do not do well in dry conditions, even after they mature, and the grasses in a lawn compete heavily for moisture.

It's very hard to overwater a mature Birch tree, and I water our 30 year old Birch at least twice a summer, usually in mid July, when our weather is typically hot and dry for an extended period, and again in the fall, before freeze up. Use a soaker hose, laid out at or just beyond the drip line, and water for an entire week, 24 hrs. a day, moving the hose every 24 hours, so the entire parameter gets watered. Always allow it to dry out before watering again, and during periods of drought, water it more often, especially if drought is accompanied by high temps.

If your Birch is showing any signs of stress or decline (such as losing leaves at the top of the tree or dropping its leaves early in the season), it may well be a sign that it needs water. A healthy Birch tree (or any tree, for that matter) is better able to fight off disease and insects than one that's already under stress from lack of moisture. Mature trees aren't easily replaced, and if you lose yours and have to plant a new tree, it'll be for the enjoyment of whomever comes after you, so keep your mature Birch happy and healthy by watering it. In return, it will grace your yard with its stately beauty for years and years.