What is going on with this tree?

[Boggle4137]

Hi everyone

This silverbirch has these weird growths/nests growing on it. I always thought they where nests but since learning more about trees I took a closer look and realized they arnt indeed nests, they look a bit like tumble weed but are much more corse with live twigs.

 

I won't be doing any work on the tree as its on my grandads street but it definately has my curiosity as to what they can be and what treatment it needs.

[Stubby]

10 minutes ago, Boggle4137 said:

Hi everyone

This silverbirch has these weird growths/nests growing on it. I always thought they where nests but since learning more about trees I took a closer look and realized they arnt indeed nests, they look a bit like tumble weed but are much more corse with live twigs.

 

I won't be doing any work on the tree as its on my grandads street but it definately has my curiosity as to what they can be and what treatment it needs.

Witches broom probably . might be mistletoe but doubt it .

[openspaceman]

12 minutes ago, Boggle4137 said:

Hi everyone

This silverbirch has these weird growths/nests growing on it. I always thought they where nests but since learning more about trees I took a closer look and realized they arnt indeed nests, they look a bit like tumble weed but are much more corse with live twigs.

 

I won't be doing any work on the tree as its on my grandads street but it definately has my curiosity as to what they can be and what treatment it needs.

Probably witches broom.

 

Normally the growing tip sends down a hormone to stop lower buds from growing, if this is disrupted all the suppressed buds burst and try and make growth.

 

 

[openspaceman]

2 minutes ago, Stubby said:

Witches broom probably . might be mistletoe but doubt it .

Too quick for me Stubby

[Stubby]

1 minute ago, openspaceman said:

Too quick for me Stubby

And I'm 65 ?

[Darrin Turnbull]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witch's_broom

[openspaceman]

12 minutes ago, Stubby said:

And I'm 65 ?

Only a nipper then

[daltontrees]

Yes it's almost certainly caused by a parasitic fungus called Taphrina betulina, which triggers a profusion of twigs, which often then die. Common on Birch, Harmless overall to the tree. I don't think there's any realistic preventative treatment and although it may recur in the same tree I don't see any way of treating it. The brooms (or besoms) can be removed but it seems a bit pointless to me.

[jfc]

Yes it's almost certainly caused by a parasitic fungus called Taphrina betulina, which triggers a profusion of twigs, which often then die. Common on Birch, Harmless overall to the tree. I don't think there's any realistic preventative treatment and although it may recur in the same tree I don't see any way of treating it. The brooms (or besoms) can be removed but it seems a bit pointless to me.

Yep I agree witches broom. I recently removed lots from some trees mainly cos they overhung a car park and the client was concerned they might snap off and land on a car. They weigh a hell of a lot for their size, and do sometimes break off due to this. They will no doubt re grow but client was aware of that.

[petercb]

Was just about to ask the same question as saw it on birch in wood yesterday. thanks for the interesting info.

[Boggle4137]

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