River Birch-turning yellow

I see there is a botanist on this board and would like to ask some advice. I spent 1/2 hour at Meadow Farms yesterday speaking with someone, but he wasn't so sure on the diagnosis, so I thought I'd ask here.

Half the leaves of my 3 River Birch's turned yellow overnight. The guy I spoke to at Meadow Farms said it could be too much water or not enough water. Hmmmm, that doesn't help. Some of the leaves are turning a little brown and dry too. I read online somewhere that it may need iron.

I'm not sure what to do. Any ideas? Does anyone know an arborist who makes house calls because I'm also having some challenges with my crabapple trees, my lilacs and one of my maples (different than the other problem on this board)?

Thanks,

Lori

-Oops, I realized I put this under the wrong forum. Feel free to move if needed.

 

Needs water.

 

For about $5, you can buy a moisture guage at Walmart. This can help determine whether it's too much or not enough water.

 

River birch occur naturally along streams and swamps, they love wet feet. There isnt a such thing as too much water for river birch. (hence the name.....)

Anyway - River birch prefer acidic soils, (6.5 pH or below) so I would do a soil test along the drip line of the tree (dig down about 6 inches, and take about 1/2 cup of soil) take it to Meadows, Merrifield - they should be able to get it to a lab for you. If not, Fairfax Co. Extension or VA Tech Extension can do it for you (they are online). A high pH can cause iron chlorosis, which causes the leaves to turn yellow. This is often mis-diagnosed as lack of water. Before applying any products, get the soil test done. If the pH is high, the Extension agency can tell you what product to use, and how much of it to use. Always follow package directions on any products you use.

River Birch can also develop a leaf spot fungus, which causes some interior leaves to yellow, and fall of the tree. It isnt going to kill the tree, it just happens in high humidity, high heat (which we have now) situations.
In the mean time, water water water. As I stated above, you cant water them too much, they love it. Without seeing the tree, thats the best I can offer.

 

Also- forgot to mention this...

Try Care of Trees, located in Dulles VA. They have certified arborists on staff, and cater to home owners. Its a good company, with great staff.

 

It needs water, and plenty of it. I, too, have a river birch that gets real industrious about producing leaves in the spring. As it starts to dry out in the summer, it starts shedding leaves for its survival, even with an irrigation system. The leaves that have already started turning yellow are history, but water it often to keep the green leaves it still has.

 

This is all great information. Thanks for the feedback!