I have a Silver Birch that was bought for our Silver Wedding Anniversary. It was about 15 feet tall and supported by a strong stake but it has snapped about 6 feet above the ground during heavy winds. There are no branches left at all. Will it regenerate or should I dig up and remove?
There is some liquid to seal plants, though we can't really recommend a brand. You will have to search for some. It isn't completely necessary, but it can help.
It will likely send out new branches to replace the broken top. This will not usually be the death of a Birch, but it will be quite hard on the tree.
It may introduce infection so there is still a chance that the tree will die, but not directly from the injury.
If uniformity is important, than replacing the tree will be the only option, however, it will probably survive the damage.
Thank you. Should I seal the top to prevent infection/water getting in? If so, how?
Watering it as we were informed to do; it is in the sun. Do you think this could be just shock from transporting it? It was professionally planted by a local landscaping business.
It sounds like transplant shock or water deficit. It may recover but it may not.
I recommend that you contact the landscaping business who planted the tree and report what you have told us, right away before a week passes. If you have in fact been watering as directed, then you may have some recourse for a replacement if the tree dies. Most services will guarantee for at least a month if you have followed directions.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/watering-newly-planted-tree.htm
Our yard has a moderate downward grade to the back yard, a very high water table (due to numerous springs in the neighborhood), and clay based soil. We are in Atlanta (Zone 8). I would like to plant a tree(s) in a cleared area of woods within the wooded buffer between our house (about 40' from this area) and the creek that separates us from the yards of the next street. Three trees come up as candidates - River Birch, Weeping Willow, and Bald Cypress. I prefer the cypress, but the area is shaded most of the day. The area would support a more vertically growing tree than one that needs to spread out. The objective is to soak up as much water (sometimes standing after a rain) as possible. What do you suggest? Note: I could take down a few saplings that would provide more morning sun and room for wider growth.)
I would go with the river birch because it will tolerate part shade. The bald cypress needs full sun.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/birch/planting-river-birch-trees.htm
I don’t want to cut it down. What’s the best way? The clump River Birch Tree is about 25 years old and a beautiful addition to my yard. I am updating my patio and I’m afraid with the wind it one trunk will rub against the roof and damage the bark.
Here is information for pruning a river birch. It looks like you could prune out that branch from the photo. You may want to consult an arborist in your area or the local extension office beforehand.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/birch/cutting-back-birch-trees.htm
I only cut about 5 branches but they are weeping sap. I did this in early March. Will it kill the tree?
Cutting won't, necessarily, kill the tree. It will increase the likelyhood of infection through the open wound if done at the wrong time. (This should be done during dormancy)
Treatment needs to be done, immediately, after making such cuts to be effective. Even then, in many cases, it can trap diseases in if you aren't using a proper plant seal to prevent infection.
I would recommend letting it heal over on its own, now.
Here is an article for more information on tree wound dressing: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/wound-dressing-on-trees.htm
I have a tall thin tropical birch tree which is drooping over at the top. Can I prune the top or how do I get it to straighten up?
Birch need to be pruned in summer or early fall.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/birch/cutting-back-birch-trees.htm
Hello I have three 10 year old solver birch trees all in a row. One however seems suspended in time whilst the other two are in full flourish. It has had buds for about 5 weeks but won't progress to leaf. It's not brittle so assuming not dead? Can you tell me why this is? ?
It is possible that this one receives a slightly different amount or duration of light than the others. Sometimes, it is completely normal, though.
It does look healthy, so I wouldn't worry unless you see signs of distress.
I would say that if it doesn't come out, in a month or so, you could try feeding with a slow release fertilizer to give it a little help.
This article will help you to care for the tree:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/birch/care-of-weeping-silver-birch.htm