River Birch Issue

[Djs2280]

Hello.

Anyone who can help is much appreciated. 
 

This river birch was planted two months ago and is showing some signs of distress…I think. 
 

Please take a look at this picture. This tree is located in Raleigh, NC 

 

Thank you 

[Tree monkey 1682]

Get a better close up of the leaves, are you referring to the yellowing of the leaves? 

[Dan Maynard]

Looks like it still tied tight to the stake, cut those off for a start.

[Excels1or]

Looks like either root damage or Chlorosis due to Iron/Nitrogen deficiency. Check the soil PH

[Stere]

Drought maybe?

[Djs2280]

Thanks everyone. I started by taking the rope off. I ordered a soil test kit. I will share the results. 
As for drought conditions, I am not sure. We get rain often but not sure how much is needed for this tree. Can I over water? 

[Dan Maynard]

Sorry only just noticed you said planted two months ago. Planting a tree of that size is a big shock for it, so some signs of stress will be normal and you just have to hope it recovers.

 

It's difficult to over water, the two things to aim for are a good long soak  so the water goes deep, rather than frequent wetting the surface, and the fact you probably need to water all through the summer and maybe next year too.

 

I like tree bags because you fill up with water and it slowly soaks in to the ground.

[Stere]

I don't think that species can be overwatered as looking up info says they grow in water logged conditions naturally

 

AI/google says

 

River birch trees are particularly susceptible to developing iron chlorosis (yellowing of leaves) in alkaline soils. This is because the high pH of alkaline soil makes it difficult for the tree to absorb the essential nutrient iron.

 

Some infos

 

River birch might be a lost cause - West

DIGITALEDITION.CHICAGOTRIBUNE.COM

 

 

But apparently Wake county NC is mostly acidic....

 

Quote

The soils of Wake county are mostly strongly acid and strongly leached;

 

Soil Survey of Wake County, North Carolina : United States. Natural Resources Conservation Service : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

ARCHIVE.ORG

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Soil Survey Wake County North Carolina