We have (err, had) a nice looking birch tree in our front yard (about
25-30ft high). This year the tree has yet to get any leaves, or buds
for that matter. Some of the branches still have dead leaves dangling
from last fall.

I was thinking that the tree was pretty much dead as a doornail, and
was planning to take it down. Until this weekend ...

While driving around through other towns I noticed a lot of other
birch trees in the same shape. In my mother inlaws condo complex they
have several neatly groomed and well maintained garden areas. In one
area alone there are 4 birch trees. Of those 4, only 1 had any leaves.
The other 3 were just like ours.

Think it would be safe to assume that it is indeed dead, or do birch
trees ever go through some sort of extended dormant period? (pulling
at strings, I know).


Doug.