http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

River birch trees in the Columbus area have died from the top down, due to drought in combination with heat and high winds in the past year. Younger trees with less established root systems, trees planted too deep, those with girdling roots or mower or weed trimmer injury on the trunk, and trees that have not received correct supplemental watering the last two years may have dieback or dead branches. Other trees with certain issues may also have dieback or dead branches, such as younger trees with less established root systems, trees planted too deep, those with girdling roots or mower or weed trimmer injury on the trunk, and trees that have not received correct supplemental watering the last two years. The Columbus Telegram (Neb.), May 27, 2023