ChrisF

Just noticed all the additional replies, apologies for not replying earlier. It's happened every year since we moved in 7 years ago. It's in good soil, free draining. Another identical tree not far from it is thriving - but it's in a much sunnier position. We've reached the conclusion that it needs to go. It's a very good point that if we managed to improve its lot and it thrived it would be too big for its position so no point in trying really. Thanks all, much appreciated.

Thanks for the reply Gary. Only thing that suggests that the local environment might not be the whole cause is the fact that we have another whitebeam about 25' away which is absolutely fine. The poorly one has been like this every year for the last 7 years, the good one's had no problem at all. Having said that your description is spot on.

Thanks Steve. It is a little dark there but most references suggest it should be ok in shade. Roots are at least 50% clear under well drained and well rain-watered soil. Maybe it's just a temperamental example....

Thanks for the reply. Age - probably about 10-15 years. Was about 12' when we moved here in 2009, now about 30'. Position - on west side, about 10' from house. Doesn't get a great deal of sunlight. Lower half gets very little indeed. Photos attached.

We have this whitebeam at the side of the house that seems to get upset every July. It does fine up until then, but around every July it starts dropping its leaves, and not just a few.....about half its leaves are now dropped....it looks like autumn out there! They turn yellow/brown then dry, shrivel and drop. It gets plenty of rain water and how no immediate competition. I can;t see any sign of infection/disease. Another whitebeam in front of the house is doing very well and keeps its leaves till the autumn. Any ideas?