This recent and long dry spell we’ve been in has me spending lots of time attending to the watering needs in my lawn and garden.  The most noticeable effects of the lack of rain are with the birch trees in the area, including on my own property.   All of my birch trees, which include river birch and white spire, are well established and are all at least 15 years old.   But yellowing of leaves and dieback this time of year is something I am well aware can happen if the watering needs of these trees are not met throughout the season.   Apparently, due to some situations beyond my control, those watering needs were lacking and several of my birch trees are covered with yellowing leaves that then turn brown and drop to the ground.  Luckily, I’m not noticing any dieback on the branches and for at least the last two weeks, I’ve gone full speed ahead on properly watering each and every one.

Yellowing and leaf dieback along with dying branches on birches is commonly caused by insufficient watering but can also be caused by a lack of iron.  Iron is a necessary micronutrient that birches need and sometimes, for a variety of reasons, the iron gets bound up in the soil and the tree’s roots are unable to absorb enough.  This condition is called Iron Chlorosis.  A soil test should be able to tell you if this is the problem you are having.

  
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