6 Whitespire Birch Tree Problems [With Fixing Guide]

The Whitespire Birch tree is one of the most well-liked succulents due to its rounded, green leaves and tree-like appearance. These plants have a deep symbolic content, are quite simple to maintain, and may even withstand some neglect. Whitespire birch trees, however, can still run into a number of issues, including

  • Leave loosing
  • Canker disease
  • Yellow leaves 
  • Dead Brunch
  • Leaf spots
  • Unnecessary Stem growth.

Learning about the reasons behind it will help you fix your birch tree. So let’s get to know the causes of the problems and possible solutions.

 6 Proven Ways to Fix Whitespire Birch Tree

White Birch Problem Fixing

1. Leave losing

Leaf loss is a very common problem with whitespire birch trees. This problem became evident from the beginning of June. Initial leaves become weak and discolored. Later, it gradually dries up and falls off. Irregular brown spots also occur.

Causes

  • Underwatering
  • Excess Heat
  • Anthracnose
  • Poor Soil

Treatment Guide

The first thing you have to do is apply water two to three times a week. How much water to apply will depend on the weather. Surely on a very hot day, you get more thirsty for water.  Similarly, as the temperature increases, the amount of water should also be increased.

Don’t let your whitespire birch plant absorb too much sunlight.  Six to seven hours of direct sunlight per day is sufficient. Rest of the day, use a shade cloth to protect your tree.

Soil pH must be checked every few days. Plants cannot absorb iron from soils with excess pH.  6.5-7.5 pH soil is best. If the pH level increases, you can use chelated iron.

A good quality fungicide is the best way to combat anthracnose. Also, remove the affected part of your Whitespire Birch tree as soon as possible and spray it with fresh water.

2. Yellow Leaves

During the summer you may suddenly notice the leaves of your whitespire birch tree turning yellow.  Most gardeners have to face this problem.  Later on the leaves develop small holes with brown round and the beauty of the plant is completely destroyed.

Causes

  • Heat Stress
  • Excess Watering
  • Chlorosis

Treatment Guide

80-90°F temperature is ideal for whitespire britches trees. So during the hot period, you have to maintain the optimum temperature for your tree. You can plant your tree by the side of a small or medium reservoir.

Do not overwater if your plant is suffering from heat shock. What I do in such situations is to gradually increase the amount of water applied.  And it does a great job of stabilizing the tree.

You can easily correct iron deficiency in your plants by using an iron-rich fertilizer. You can use blood meal directly to increase the iron in your plant soil.  Apart from this, even spraying liquid iron sulfate on the leaves of plants once every two months gives good results.

3. Dead Brunch

The dead branch problem plagues whitespire birch trees in late spring and early summer. The problem is so serious that by the time you notice it, your tree will be severely damaged. This problem is responsible for the death of birch trees in most cases.

Causes

  • Bronze birch borer
  • Pruning mistake

Treatment Guide

Female bronze birch borers usually lay eggs on tree branches during the winter and hatch in late spring and early summer to attack the tree.  So a good quality insecticide should be sprayed over the entire plant once in early winter and once in late spring. 

If the infection spreads before the insecticide is applied, remove and burn the affected parts. This will keep your tree at least eighty percent safe.

Pruning should be done at the right time so that dead branches do not hinder the normal growth of your tree. You must think about pruning time!

Late spring and early summer is the ideal time for pruning. You can apply crown thinning, crown reduction, crown raising and crown cleaning methods to prune your whitespire birch tree. 

4. Leaf Spots

If you suddenly notice small black spots on the leaves of your Whitespire Birch tree and they grow larger over time and eventually the leaves become perforated and fall off, this is definitely a leaf spot problem.

Causes

  • Overwatering
  • Fungal attack

Treatment Guide

The habit of giving more water than required should be avoided. If you cannot control it in any way then you can use an automatic watering machine 

Provide a planned drainage system to remove excess water from the base of your plant. If you notice any fungal attack, use an antifungal spray without delay.  

Keeping plants clean is important to protect your plants from leaf spot disease. A good idea is to bathe the plant with fresh water occasionally. Equipment used in purging must be cleaned with disinfectant.

5. Unnecessary Stem Growth

Whitespire birch trees are quite thick in width. However, this plant has a problem that causes unnecessary growth or hard structure at different places on the stem. It may look like a tumor and is black in color when bruised.

Causes 

  • Root rot
  • Excess Drought
  • Conks Disease 

Treatment Guide

Applying excess water is the most common reason for root rot. You have to be careful while watering. Proper watering, a good drainage system and quality soil can make your tree’s roots healthy. Affected roots should be removed quickly if your plant is young.

If your tree is large and suffering from this problem, a little amount of apple cider vinegar can help. Make a tiny deep hole around the root and apply a small amount of apple cider vinegar with water.

If your area is more drought-prone, you must take measures to protect your whitespire tree beforehand. Adequate water and nutrient deficiencies cannot be allowed.

6. Canker Disease

Canker disease is frequently related to an open wound that has developed a bacterial or fungal infection. Cankers begin as little, depressed spots in the bark, which enlarge with time to become elongated, and with fractured, dark-colored centers. It frequently kills the branches of your whitespire birch trees.

Causes

  • Bacteria
  • Fungus

Treatment Guide

The first thing you need to do is prune your trees and remove cankered branches. It can improve airflow and help in preventing dampness.

Destroy fallen leaves that could harbor the fungus by raking them up. Use a fungicide with chlorothalonil to treat the area. What I do to protect the plant from fungus is spray water on the plant every morning and evening and believe me it is really effective.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How close to the house can you plant a Whitespire birch?

Soil is the most important factor for the frequent growth of birch trees. Usually, the soil for building a house and the soil required for plants are not the same. So it is necessary to plant the tree at a distance of 20-22 feet from the place of residence. In this case, trees cannot be planted around the garage or dustbin.

Can you cut the top of a birch tree?

Birch tree tops should never be cut. You must be careful about this while pruning. A minimum of two to two and a half inches should be pruned. Which will be random or have an attachment to the trunk.

The Final Word

Your efforts to solve the issue can start as soon as you identify the main reasons for your whitespire birch tree troubles. Your plant should turn a healthy green again if you take the right care of it and have some patience.

James Rivenburg
James Rivenburg
James Rivenburg

James Rivenburg is the founder of plantandpest.com, a passionate gardener with valuable experience and knowledge gained through trial and error. The website has a large community of followers who trust his tips and techniques and have succeeded with his advice. He is always Committed to helping others create a beautiful and healthy garden.

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