Birch Tree leaves turning yellow in May - why?

Question

12' tree, planted in March, in central FL. Leaves grew out as green, many new buds. Last week many leaves started turning yellow. Why? Help me to save my beautiful tree. :)

Answer 1

Florida has been dry this year, has it not? So, it probably needs water. Also, a birch tree doesn't seem like a good match to the Florida climate, especially if it is a paper birch or a yellow birch, which like a cooler climate such as New England. Certain birch species can grow in Florida's climate, so you should check with a local landscaper or professional gardener.

Answer 2

I am not sure why either but my birch is doing the same thing here in Northern Georgia. I had a friend tell me it was too much water but we are in a severe drought so I find it hard to believe that's the case. I feel like it may be related to the species itself and not so much the weather. Also, it has turned every May since we planted more than 4 years ago. This is the first really dry May we have had.

Answer 3

RIVER birch need more water than five minutes every other day. put the hose on it for a trickle for at least an hour a day to give it a deep soak. also if you did not cut the roots before planting it dig it back up and cut then about 2 inches deep all a round. this will force the tree to send roots out for water. do it quick yellow is just before brown and brown in the summer is dead.

Answer 4

According to link below it is caused by leaf miner. Open the link it has a picture of yellowing leaves.
You didn't say what kind of Birch!
See Excerpt below about where they do best.
I had 2 clumps of white birch but mine looked like both insects. It will also give you information on monitoring insects and fertilizing
Step 4 - Monitoring and Controlling Insect Problems



The white-barked trees are more likely to do well in cooler climates, though yellow birch, river birch, and Heritage river birch also do well in cooler areas.

http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/howtos/ht_birch/ht_birch.htm#step4

Answer 5

Our birch tree's leaves always turned yellow when it needed water.

Answer 6

Is the plant receiveing too much water?
see if there are some tiny animals on the leaves, if no insects are found then try removing a bit the soil, and add some organic soil or fertilizer to it, don´t water as much.

Answer 7

BUGS - you have aphids or caterpillars. Look close at the leaves, you might notice tiny holes - Spray with Seven!

Answer 8

because they are dying

Answer 9

CALL THE PLACE YOU BOUGHT IT

Answer 10

its dying