Like all trees, the birch can also struggle with diseases. Birch trees, which are inherently very resilient, are susceptible to specific problems. You can find out to what extent birch tree diseases regulate themselves and when you should intervene here.
What diseases can affect birch trees and how do I recognize them?
Typical diseases of birch trees include fungal infestation, moss infestation, fringe beetles and aphids. Anthracnose is the most dangerous disease that can cause the death of the tree. If there are black spots on the trunk or dying branches, you should check the location and, if necessary, consult experts.
Typical diseases of birch trees
Most birch trees are susceptible to fungal attack. Moss infestation and pests such as fringe beetles and aphids also often cause problems for the picturesque trees. In most cases, however, you as the garden owner do not have to intervene. Only in rare and extremely severe cases is the use of a plant protection product advisable and necessary in the event of fungal or pest infestation.
Most dangerous disease: anthracnose
The first symptoms are wilting flowers and leaves. Over time, the trees can die. There are only limited options available for combating it on your own, mainly cutting out the affected shoots; the earlier and more generously, the better. Other birch diseases include rust and mildew. However, they cause little damage and require no intervention.
Death phenomena at the foot of the birch tree
Native birch trees are increasingly showing a strange black discharge on the trunk, which later turns into a blackish crust. These conspicuous visual signs usually indicate a general decline in tree vitality. This is followed by signs of death in the crown. If you don't want to let the majestic birch tree die, you should take action when black spots appear. In most cases it helps to check the site conditions. Overall, it is important that you keep an eye on the progress, especially if the dying tree could become a traffic or safety hazard.
Save birch, improve location
If your birch tree shows symptoms of disease such as black spots, it makes sense to optimize the location. Of course, you can't move the adult tree. However, unfavorable weather usually plays a decisive role. If conditions are either too wet or too dry, secondary problems such as rot can occur. If the light-hungry tree doesn't get enough sun, you may also be able to help.
In an emergency, initiate an investigation by experts
If you want to be on the safe side when it comes to particularly large trees and inexplicable symptoms, you can arrange for a tree inspection by a specialist. The responsible parks department has the necessary addresses or carries out the analyzes directly itself.