Multi-Stem Himalayan Birches "Droopy"
hithergreenian
Posts: 3
We have two multi-stem Himalayan Birch trees that were approximately 2.5m tall when we planted them in our suburban London (clay) garden in late 2014. They're in full leaf at the moment and seem healthy enough, but the tall leaders are really drooping over - curving back almost half their height if you see what I mean.
A local gardener said they were happy and just growing vigorously - but they don't look right to me and I'm concerned there may be a problem.
Does anyone else here have experience with growing multi-stem Himalayan birch? Does this sound normal or is this a sign that we have a problem with the soil / tree / etc?
Grateful for any pointers!
Roger
0
Posts
You may have a weeping variety in which case it's perfectly normal.
It's not meant to be a weeping variety, they're supposedly Betula Utilis Jacquemonti (multi-stem). I have a picture of what they looked like when they were planted - I don't think these look like a weeping variety?
It's hard to get a photo of them now as there is so much leaf.
I found this and they do seem to be fairly upright. I'm stumped. I'm just about to buy a number of these so I'll be interested to see what the experts say.
Well the 'tree man' at the nursery where we bought the trees didn't have any idea either - apart from staking them until they get stronger. Seems very odd though. Hope they recover!
Your garden looks as though it is surrounded by tall trees so it could simply be that they are growing extra fast vertically and producing relatively soft growth in order to reach the light. Staking them should do the trick and the wood will soon stiffen up. I would avoid any feeds containing a lot of nitrogen as an excess of that will also promote rapid soft growth.