What is ailing my River Birch trees - do you recognize these symptoms?

Question

We purchased several River Birch trees last fall, after the growing season had ended. This spring the trees leafed out, but now they don't seem to be thriving. I've noticed that the leaves on the trees (not all but some, and from the top to the bottom of the branches) are wrinkling in such as way that they remind me of minature cabage leaves. The leaves turn black but tend to cling to the branches. Eventually they shrivel (grow smaller) but still tend to cling. I've asked the landscaper who installed them what he thinks and he states that they look good and that a certain amount of die-back can be expected. I've owned several River Birches in the past and I'm losing faith in his diagnosis - these clearly aren't healthy. I'd say that I'm losing more leaves than are being added through new growth at the upper tree.

Does this sound like insect damage, bad soil, a combination, or some other problem? Any insight will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks...

Answer 1

Yes I do recognize these symptoms.

They resemble a Fungus called Anthracnose, or leaf blight.

It turns the leaves of trees black and Birch is one of the trees that it attacks.

  I recommend that you get in touch with your local EXTENSION SERVICE (farm extension) or a local University and submit some of these leaves as a sample for a disease report.

That , and a good lawyer, will give you credibility when dealing with a dishonest, or stupid, landscaper!

    Do not plan on another tree for a while if you get a positive result.  You will need to clean the area first!

Answer 2

My clump of river birches came back the following spring with vigorous growth, no mal formed leaves. Every nursery, and even Walmart, offers a 1 year warranty on new trees. Ask for replacement trees. Too bad you didn't include a photo, that would have been helpful.

Answer 3

one thing about river birch is when they first leaf out even if they are native they will have aphids.  you will see ladybugs all over them.  and from the aphids and the ladybugs you will see black secretions on the leaves and you will see dieback. and at some time during the years as they get older you will see some yellow leaves fall here and there, one right next to another can be total opposite. river birch can handle water  and once established can handle dry conditions.