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Struggling Silver Birch
gemma_knight
Posts: 2
I'm new to gardening so please excuse my lack of knowledge! I bought a new build with 2 silver birch planted by the builders 1 year ago. Despite the clay soil they seemed to be doing well (Apart from 1 damaged branch that has died off) However, having just returned from a week away on holiday the lawn is covered in autumn coloured leaves - as are both trees. Are they dying? should I do anything? Thanks for any advice for a novice.
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Posts
The grounds where I used to work had a lot of mature silver birches and the ground was light and very free draining. The birch leaves always began to change to yellow and start falling earlier than the other trees on the site, and as they survived a long while I guess birches can cope with these conditions - however as these are fairly newly planted I'd do as ChrissieB suggests, clearing an area around them and mulching - a bucket full of water each every few days in dry spells wouldn't go amiss either.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Great!
...Straight on it!?
Yes it is planted in the lawn (which is also terrible - I would have preferred nothing to be honest than the job the developers have done). It is clay soil too so not the easiest for a rookie
Appreciate the feedback. Thanks.