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Pruning a silver birch

Tracey GannonTracey Gannon Posts: 9
in Problem solving
On Saturday morning we pruned some branches from our silver birch, about 3-5cm in diameter. They haven't stopped dripping since. Any advice?

Posts

  • chilli loverchilli lover Posts: 290

    Hi Tracey - I don't believe it's the end of your tree but just might weaken it in the interim - think you have done it a bit late and the sap is already rising:

    http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/profile.aspx?pid=325

  • Tracey GannonTracey Gannon Posts: 9
    Thanks so much. We were starting to think of ways to stop it, but now I can rest assured knowing we don't to. Certainly wont be doing it this time of year again!
  • Gary HobsonGary Hobson Posts: 1,892

    You have nothing to worry about.

    I have seen this often in my own garden. I seem to recall the the drip can continue for a very long period, possibly months. The only problem that I'm aware of is that this sticky stuff can drip onto you. It can be almost like rain.

  • Tracey GannonTracey Gannon Posts: 9
    You're right Lyon, it's very watery sap. And thanks for the heads up on how long it could continue for. It's my favourite tree in the garden, really should have read up on it before we started!
  • BenDoverBenDover Posts: 488
    I pruned an Acer Palmatum (Crimson Sentry) in January thinking it was completely dormant. It dripped sap for days! Stopped now though.
  • BenDoverBenDover Posts: 488
    Sorry, not an Acer palmatum - it's a Acer platanoides!
  • Tracey GannonTracey Gannon Posts: 9
    Thanks Tim. Can't tell if its stopped yet, it's raining too hard!
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