Hi folks. I'm about 99% certain my new River Birch has cankers. The good news is the garden center will replace it. My question is, does anyone know if a new tree can be planted in relatively the same place? (Say 2-3 feet away). Or is the soil forever contaminated? Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you for your help!!

That doesn't look like any canker I have seen. It looks more like the tree was damaged and now, its working to heal itself. Was that there when the tree was planted? How long ago was in planted?

MightMission,

Welcome!! Where are you located at? Here in the PNW the river birch are dying like crazy and folks are removing them. I would check with the nursery on planting another in the same place.

Thank you Daisy. I planted it last November. I don't recall seeing any damage when I purchased the tree. There does seem to be some sort of excrescence around the wound which doesn't look like normal healing. There are several other spots like this on other branches. Yes, it's frustrating.

Hi Karma. I'm in Maryland. Your news about River Birches is alarming! I'll check into it. I'm writing the forum because the nursery suggested I consult an arborist, which will probably cost more than I paid for the tree. Sigh.

MightMission,
Sounds like the nursery doesn't believe you. Yes, arborist are spendy and here in the PNW are required in the City for tree removal but not in the County. Can you send a photo to a Master Gardener program and see what they say. Or a University ag. dept. is another route. We have see several folks on one street take their trees out. Best of luck!

@MightMission
My guess is squirrel feeding. I've seen many trees with bark stripped by squirrels. It does look like the tree is trying to grow over the wound, but I think too much damage has occurred for recovery.