Is this Birch tree dead?

Our Birch tree was getting too high about 30 ft, and has too many branches blocking view in the back garden.

So I went up on a ladder and sawed it into half. The trunk fell onto the ground leaving half of the trunk, but while doing so, I also took off many branches which looked rotting, twisting ..etc

Now the tree is about half the height, but only one or two branches left with some leaves. It still haven't dropped leaves or wilted away.

But I was just wondering if it will revive, and grow again come next spring.

 

If you can post a photo of it @hedgefog some of the tree experts will be better able to advise.

 

Will do. Thank you Clare G.

 

How old is the tree? I have a youngish silver birch, about 10-15 years old. It was too top heavy and I wanted it bushier. Two years ago we did what you’ve done, cut the top half off. It’s now a nicely shaped tree and growing well.

 

It is about 7 - 8 years old. Yes, top was very heavy. Now cut in half and only 1 - 2 branches left.

Hopefully it will start growing again.

 

Im guessing youvve over done it. Taking off a third at a time max is safe anymore and it may never recover. You didnt say when you trimmed it. If it was in the Spring then its toast as it will have bled out.

 

If you have done it recently my bet is it will survive.

But its probably going to look pretty awful for a year or two.

And will need further lighter pruning to shape it up next year, but not in spring.

 

Yes, it had been done a week ago.

 

Truly such a beautiful looking tree. Everything about it says. Look at me. It's often whispery branches against a dramatic sky, to the poet or artist, who could ask for more. Sadly despite all it's attributes it remains so often a short lived tree. Strange really, as if you check out the geographical domains. It can be found in practically all areas. Amongst gardeners in general, the Sycamore is more often than not called. The weed of the forest. However from my limited study, the Birch...Fagus sylvaticus tends to outnumber it. At face value. The wood appears to be dying, rotting in fact yet the tree lives on. If downed by a storm, soon vertical gowths appear. I'd like to venture on a journey into the Birch. Any member with a scienticic interest willing to come along>

 

Friends. I am so delighted when I read Q&A's relating to trees. Naturally gardening forums are a meeting place for those who simply love plants and flowers. Ooops! sorry veggie growers, but I am sure we are all on track here. What would we do without our spuds, greens and salad crops. Oh no! Not gruel again for dinner. Yuck!

Back to trees. Where would we be, without them? Truly. I cringe whenI hear the sound of a chainsaw. To me. Trees are so important and beneficial to life. Yes, we know about how trees absoeb the impurities of our atmosphere etc. To me. Trees mean so much more. Apart from the delights of the eye, there is so much more. Strange, but I have this tendancy to learn, reseach etc. Sometimes there's not enough hours in a day. Times, I get stifled by the city air....Oh to get amongst trees. Here amongst the trees. The air is so much cleaner, lighter. Looking up to the canopy....wowee. Strange to say. Some of the tallest tress in our forests and woodlands, actually have a very small rootball. Such giants. Firm but flexible. I like many, tend to go through bouts of depression, times I get all mixed up, even thinking I am better than what I am. This is true. A few minutes in a woodland and the trees come to my rescue.
When due to a medical. I was forced to leave the police service. I took up employment with the LCC/GLC Parks Dept and worked inthe ancient woodlans of Oxleas Woods. Paradise.

Now I read in my science papers. Beech trees are now under threat from disease. The internet provides so much information. So please, fellow tree lovers. Keep an eye open, take great care of your trees and the nations trees.