Question
QUESTION: Hi there,
I have a birch tree that has started to loose its leaves on the top of the tree.  I don't know what to do about the situation and need some suggestions.  I also noticed that in the fall little bugs(I think they were green)were on the leaves but don't know if that has anything to do with the loss of leaves.  It is a really beautiful tree and I would hate for it to die on us.

ANSWER: Birch trees will commonly become infested with aphid insects.  They will be on the underside of the leaves and will cause the leaves to curl up and turn brown and then defoliate.  They probably wont kill the tree but can make it look awful.  I would treat the tree with Bayer Advanced Tree and Shrub Insecticide.  The product is mixed with water and poured on the soil surface at the base of the tree. It is taken up systemically and will kill the bugs within a couple of weeks.  It also provides up to a year of protection from reinfestation.  Good Luck.

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QUESTION: I only see those bugs in the fall never in the summer.  Is this common?
Tricia

Answer
I see them all the time on most birch trees in the south.  Look at some the leaves before they fall off.  They will be all over the undersides of the leaves.  If this is not the case, there is also a fungal leaf spot that can defoliate some of the leaves.  I do not think either will kill the tree.  Good Luck.