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Is it a disease?

sarahjvickerssarahjvickers Posts: 7
in Problem solving
Wonder if someone can help please? I’ve bought this Silver Birch online which has been delivered but it looks like it’s diseased. I know the leaves change colour as we are towing into Autumn but they don’t look right and the company who sold it suggests there’s nothing wrong with it.
any help would be appreciated please. Many thanks 
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Posts

  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    It look very sick to me, very stressed. Do you mind me asking who you bought it from ?
  • sarahjvickerssarahjvickers Posts: 7
    Hi Ann yes a company called Beechwood Trees. They are adamant there’s nothing wrong with it 
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    Hi Sarah, l've had a look online and there is a website called Beechwood Trees aka 3 fat pigs.
    Is this the same place ? 


  • sarahjvickerssarahjvickers Posts: 7
    yes that’s the company 
  • plant pauperplant pauper Posts: 6,904
    edited August 2023
    I've had loads of stuff from them and know others who have too and I've never had a problem except for 1 poplar sapling masquerading as a silver birch.
    Have you sent those photographs? I would phone if I were you. It looks a bit like a fungal disease which could be cleared up, similar to blackspot on roses but I really don't see how he can say there's nothing wrong with it. 
  • sarahjvickerssarahjvickers Posts: 7
    yes I’ve emailed them lots and attached photos but they keep fobbing me off that is just the usual Autumn leaf change! Clearly it’s not but they won’t send a replacement and the only way I can get a refund is if I pay for it to be returned at my cost which I don’t see why I should have to do this! Not happy at all !
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    I have looked at their reviews on Trustpilot and l have to say the majority aren't good, particularly when it comes to silver birch trees for some reason.
    I agree with @plant pauper, if you haven't sent the photos to them, then do so.

    It's always tricky where plants are concerned, especially trees. You could say that what they supplied wasn't fit for purpose, but they would say its a living thing and may well recover.

    Depending on the response you get, you could try opening a PayPal dispute or making a claim through your credit card company. 
    With luck someone may be able to identify the problem, but l suspect it may have had it. I hope l'm wrong.
    Have you tried the bark test (scratching gently at the bark with a fingernail) to see what colour it is underneath? 

  • sarahjvickerssarahjvickers Posts: 7
    Oh really that’s not good then so it’s not just me ! 
    I have already sent photos but they are adamant I’m afraid no won’t refund and sticking to their guns that it’s not diseased ! 
    Unfortunately I didn’t pay by PayPal or credit card it was my normal debit card but o think they do now offer protection so will give the bank a ring in the morning. Thank you. 
    I just wanted reassurance that others also think it’s diseased too 
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    It looks to me like a common fungal condition affecting the leaves .., at this time of year I wouldn’t be overly concerned .., these things are caused by airborne spores and usually only affect the leaves not the whole tree … also at this stage of the year the leaves have done their job and will soon be falling. 

    I would get the tree planted properly in its permanent site asap   then gather up and bin all leaves when they fall; whilst reminding  the suppliers in writing that, they have been alerted to the condition of the tree on arrival and, should it fail to survive or should it produce similarly diseased leaves in the spring you will expect a full refund. 

    Just a thought .., the photos are of the tree indoors … it’s not been kept indoors, has it?  

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • sarahjvickerssarahjvickers Posts: 7
    Many thanks. Good advice. I was concerned as it’s still a very young tree and from what I’d read it suggests that younger plants don’t usually survive fungal infections. 
    No it’s not going to be kept indoors I’d just taken the photo just after it arrived and unpacked.
    thanks again 
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