Question
Hi
We live in MN and we have a White Birch that is loosing it's leaves and the limbs look dead on 1 side of the tree. My husband trimmed it in the spring and that sure was a mistake. The liquid ran out of it for over a week. We have been watering it alot. But it looks like it's dying on side.This tree has to be about 20 yrs old. I would appreciate any help you can give us. Thanks

Answer
Deb:
This situation ("weeping") does sound like a normal reaction for birch when pruning is done. There is another situation called slime flux or bacterial wetwood in which a liquid oozes out of cracks or branch stubs- it has a strong fermentation odor and attracts insects- this is a bacterial disease for which there is no cure, but trees can hang in there for many years with this problem.
To keep your tree healthy, avoid any kinds of trunk wounds- like from string trimmers and lawn mowers. These pieces of equipment are sometimes like magnets to trees and can cause big problems.  Also be sure to water well during hot/dry conditions, many birches like plenty of water and start dropping their leaves when supplies diminish. A soil test is a good idea too.  Contact your local county Extension Service office to do this.  In many cases ,it is free.

Enjoy the Green!

Steve