Six years ago a professional landscaper/designer did a wonderful job completely redoing our back and front yard. We live in a mild climate area of California.

He planted 4 birch trees in the back. I don't know exactly what kind? Our yard is relatively small the fence and neighbors yard is close, so I am sure he wouldn't plant a type that grows too large.

Suddenly this summer one appears dead? If I scrape a branch with my fingernail it is green underneath? There are just a few scraggly green/dying leaves on it? The other three birches are full of green leaves.

Is it dead?

if smaller branches break, not bend, it's probably dead.

birches are subject to a number of fungi and insects that spread them, and they are considered a fast growth, short life tree. if there is black under the bark, write that tree off, it's strangling to death.

I have an issue with planting a lot of the same tree in a small space, because then you have an environment just begging for attack. all the roots will tie together under the soil, and what kills one tree will infect the others.

that said with 14 oaks in the back yard thanks to the previous home owner/builder. I'm concerned with two of them at the edges of the "forest," and we really ought to thin that out. but wifey is from a farm background, and there, you don't know when the next windfall is coming so you don't buy anything ahead of time.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: swschrad,

Very sad. A dead tree and ruined symmetry in the garden. You will need to think of ways to improve the landscape now