Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Look for D shaped holes in the bark.
- Check the canopy for thinning or dead branches at the top.
- Inspect leaves for sticky residue or small insects.
Likely causes
Bronze Birch Borer
Most likelyHow to tell: The top of the tree will show thinning foliage and dieback. You may see small D shaped exit holes in the bark of the trunk or branches.
What to do: Consult a professional arborist immediately for systemic treatment options. Keep the tree healthy with consistent watering, as these beetles prefer stressed trees.
Aphids
PossibleHow to tell: You might notice sticky honeydew on the leaves or ants crawling on the branches. The leaves may look slightly curled or yellowed.
What to do: Spray the tree with a strong stream of water to knock the aphids off. If the infestation is heavy, use insecticidal soap according to the label instructions.
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
If you see D shaped holes or significant dieback at the top of the crown, the tree is in serious trouble. Contact an arborist right away.
Stopping it coming back
Keep your tree well watered during dry spells to prevent the stress that attracts borers. Avoid wounding the bark with lawn equipment.
Paper birch: pests? 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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Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Can I save a tree with borers?
- If caught very early, systemic insecticides can help. If the tree is heavily infested, it often cannot be saved.
- Do aphids hurt the tree?
- They are usually a minor nuisance. They rarely kill a healthy, mature Paper birch.
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.