Hello Having read your advice, we now realise that the tree was pruned at the wrong time. It had been getting very big and the foliage was too dense in the summer. Our idea was to make the tree smaller and less dense. The tree is still alive but with very little foliage.We are wondering is it likely that (1) the tree will survive and (2 will it develop healthy levels of foliage again, perhaps during next and subsequent years?
Yes, it will likely recover, but it may take quite awhile. The growth may be set back two years or so. Unfortunately, this is the importance of pruning at the correct time depending on the species.
The tree is located close to the home and appears to have been attacked by borers and or white ants because there are many holes in the trunk. We are concerned that it may have been weakened and fall on the house. It appears the roots have caused a cave in near the sewer. A friend said it may be wasps but we have seen none.
On a general basis, when you began to see trunk damage the issue has been going on for awhile. It is often easier to replace the tree than treat it for borers. I can't speak to the safety of your tree and would recommend you have a qualified Arborist look at the tree.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-borer-insects.htm
Like the clump type. Leaves not tightly bunched, so sun will come thru.
The River Birch will be your best bet. Most are not tolerant of warmer zones, and this one will go all the way up to zone 9!
Here is an article that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/birch/planting-river-birch-trees.htm
I live in Manitoba Canada.
Your course of action will depend on what is eating your leaves. Unfortunately, your photo did not come through, so I am unable to see the damage.
My guess will be insect damage. In that case, you will need an insecticide.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/what-are-organic-pesticides.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides
The tree's leaves were green just under a month ago and are now all dry and brown
I notice that the braces are still on a decently mature tree. Typically, these are removed once the tree is established. If this is a fresh planting (less than a couple of months) then I would be inclined to say that it succumbed to an infection. This is common with fresh plantings that are overwatered just a bit at the time of planting.
Otherwise, even under proper condition, blights can take over and kill trees, seemingly, almost instantly.
The most common causes for this will be Anthracnose and Tree Borers. Both will exhibit these symptoms.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/alcoholic-flux-in-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-borer-insects.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/birch/planting-river-birch-trees.htm
ncourage leaf growth ? Thank u. Diane my e mail address is dicharlap@verizon.net
Unfortunately, your photos did not come through. I will be unable to assess the damage.
There are several things that can cause this, and the tree will need to be well inspected for signs of what could have caused the death of the tree.
Here is an article that will give you some of the reason that this can happen:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/sudden-tree-death-causes.htm
Is fall the best time to prune and my birch tree has three trunks. One is really leaning away from the others. Can I support this trunk and what is the best way.
The best time for pruning your tree would be late summer or early autumn. As for supporting the tree, your best help will come from a certified arborist in your area, or you may want to contact your local university extension service for some help with this:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search?zip=14094&radius=10&services_search_action=search&submit=Search
Here's an article that will help you with your pruning project:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/birch/cutting-back-birch-trees.htm