QuestionOur neighbor has a river birch between our houses. Last weekend we were clearing our side to update our landscaping. We dug up quite a few roots and cut them. We are now seeing water pooling (approx 1-2 ft from base of tree) and moisture in the areas where we cut these roots. Is it possible the roots we cut are oozing water into the soil?? We have had this checked by the water company and we do not have any leaks.
AnswerYes this is normal. River birch transpire a great amount of water-this is especially true in the spring when the pressure is higher to push the sap from the roots to the new leaves. Normally you see this after branches or roots have been pruned in the spring or maybe broken off. It can happen with no wounding of the branches. I would not be concerned it will lessen as the warmer months come. Nothing really needs to be done.
