Will my birch tree rejuvenate itself?

Question

Our birch tree was damaged in a storm, and was cut down to ground level. It had some dead areas and insect infestation. Now there are a half dozen new shoots coming up. Should we cut back some shoots and let the rest grow? Is it likely that the tree will be healthy, or should we eliminate the shoots, and replant another tree? Suggestions?

Answer 1

no actually its not good to leave all of the shoots growing like that together, its best to cut back all of the  shoots and use a stump grinder or something to remove the tree. birches are not very hearty trees these days and are experiencing a blight especially white birches .

also if you did let the shoots grow you would have a bush not a tree and eventually the shoots will grow together and in between rotting would eventually occur.

it wont become the tree you want and would require a lot of shaping and effort to ever become a half way decent tree and that could take 25 years or more.

its best to buy a new tree! ask someone at your local garden center to help you with the right type for that area there are many good verities

Answer 2

No. Do not touch the new shoots. It is an indication that your tree is coming back to life. Let the new shoots grow and thrive. It will eventually become new branches and produce more new shoots to eventually become an entire tree.