This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.
5 yrs Old Silver Birch
pennymax
Posts: 56
Hi, I planted a Silver Birch Tree approx 5yrs ago. My tree has been growing quite nicely, However, i have noticed that there are a number of Vertical Cracks appeared at the base of the tree almost ground level. some of these cracks appear to be quite deep What could have caused these cracks or is it something i have done. Can my tree be saved or will it eventually die off 
. All Help and Advice is greatly appreciated.
0
Posts
Can we see a photo please?
In the sticks near Peterborough
Hi nutcutlet, here are some pics i have just taken. whilst i was taking these pictures i did notice quite a few Ants in and around the cracks, could these be the culprits?.
I must say looking at the close up pics of these cracks my Silver Birch looks Doomed
.
I think it may be that the mature bark is forming. I don't think it's doomed. That smooth white bark is only on young trees and smaller branches. I'll go and see what mine looks like this afternoon and take a couple of photos
In the sticks near Peterborough
PS ants are carnivorous, they don't damage bark
In the sticks near Peterborough
I agree with Nut; the base of the trunk gets like this as the tree matures. Look around at older silver birches to reassure yourself.
Thank you Nutcutlet, Redwing and Doghouse Riley, your help has managed to put a smile on my face
as earlier today it i thought my Silver Birch was doomed. Thanks again..xxx
Put 'silver birch trunk' into Google and click on Images ................. you'll see that cracks in the trunks are perfectly normal, as has been said
Our offices were surrounded by mature silver birches - they all had quite pronounced fissures in their trunks
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Glad to alleviate your worries
Mine today, older than yours, more crevasses
In the sticks near Peterborough