River Birch Tree Limbs Seem Girdled And Are Breaking Off

Question From: St. Augustine, Florida, United States
Q: Have a river birch tree that limbs are breaking off. It looks like the limb has been girdled and that is where it breaks off. Have lost about 8 finger size limbs.

A: My guess is the culprit is the bronze birch borer. I would have a certified arborist do an onsite insection for an accurate ID. To find one in your area go to www.tcia.org and enter your zip code. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy