Q.Problem With The Tree Where No Green Leaves Have Come This Year, And Would Like Advice On How To Resolve It.
Hi, We have a problem with a tree in our garden as in attached pictures. No green leaves have come up this year and we are concerned about it and trying to resolve any issues. I bought some tree food from B&Q and have sprinkled at the base of the tree and have been watering routinely. Your help in resolving the issue will be greatly appreciated. I believe the tree is Betula pendula, commonly known as silver birch, warty birch, European white birch,[2] or East Asian white birch. Hopefully you can advise and see which tree it is. I am struggling to find a gardening person who deals with the trees and recommend a solution, so trying you in desperation that you may be able to help as we do not want for the tree to die / remove. I will appreciate if you could advise.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
It could be a Betula pendula and those are all common names for it that you specified. You can look at some of these leaf photos to see if they are the same as your tree had. Catkins are produced in the fall.
Trees without leaves are under stress and the best way to bring them out of it is to practice good care for the tree. I included several articles below on its care.
Borers are a common problem with this tree, but I don't see entry holes in the photos.
You also can test to see if the tree is still alive. Scrape off some of the bark on the branches and if there is green below, it is still alive. Branches should be supple and not snap off easily.
If the tree is still alive and you are properly feeding and watering, you may need a professional to come out and examine the tree.
These articles should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-leafing-problems.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-scratch-test.htm
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/betula-pendula/
https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/betula-pendula
