Birch Tree Developed Scorchlike Appearance

[betamaxbandit]

For context, the tree is about 40 years old and I can confirm there has been no fire damage, lightning strike upon it etc. I have another birch tree a few metres away and that doesn't appear to have the same thing going on. Just wondering what it is and if i should be concerned about it. The trees are huge and I worry a little in case they randomly collapse at some point, especially as they overhang a public footpath.

 

Any advice would be appreciated. I know nothing about trees in general, they were here when we moved in and I wouldn't know the signs of a dying tree from a healthy one.

 

Thank you.

[Will C]

What’s the other side of the fence?
I’ve seen similar caused by a roadworks gang renewing a pavement. 

[openspaceman]

10 minutes ago, Will C said:

What’s the other side of the fence?
I’ve seen similar caused by a roadworks gang renewing a pavement. 

I was thinking it was slime flux, the weeping is a symptom of a bacterial infection that has got in, possibly through a wound when the fence was put in. Not likely fatal but birch is a short lived tree and other pathogens can take advantage.

Edited July 6, 2023 by openspaceman

[Dan Maynard]

38 minutes ago, betamaxbandit said:

I wouldn't know the signs of a dying tree from a healthy one.

Leaves mostly, at this time of year.

[betamaxbandit]

50 minutes ago, Will C said:

What’s the other side of the fence?
I’ve seen similar caused by a roadworks gang renewing a pavement. 

Paving slabs for a public foothpath. No work has been done outside in the last few years as far as i'm aware.

 

I've been told that birch trees don't live too long but these ones are at least 40 years old, probably nearing 50. The leaves look fine to me.