Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Inspect the bark for small D shaped holes.
- Look at the underside of the curled leaves for aphids or other pests.
- Check if the soil is dry and needs a deep watering.
Likely causes
Bronze Birch Borer
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see D shaped exit holes on the bark and thinning of the upper canopy. The leaves may curl and turn yellow or brown as the tree loses its ability to transport water.
What to do: Consult a professional arborist immediately to assess the damage. Keep the tree healthy with regular deep watering and proper mulching to help it resist infestations.
Heat Stress
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves curl inward during the hottest part of the day to conserve moisture. The tree usually recovers once the temperature drops in the evening.
What to do: Provide extra water during extreme heat waves to keep the root zone cool. Apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain soil moisture.
Find out what's wrong with your paper birch
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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When to worry
It is serious if you see D shaped holes or significant canopy thinning. Minor curling during a hot afternoon is normal for a tree adjusting to high temperatures.
Stopping it coming back
Maintain tree vigor through consistent watering and avoid pruning during the peak flight season of the borer.
Paper birch: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your paper birch and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
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Questions people ask
- Do paper birches flower?
- Yes, they produce catkins in the spring. They are not showy flowers but are a natural part of the tree's growth cycle.
- How do I stop leaf curling?
- Identify the cause first by checking for pests or heat stress. Providing consistent water is the best way to prevent stress related curling.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Paper birch
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.