QuestionsHow to growTrees and ShrubsPests and DiseasesSilverbirch tree 0 Vote Up Vote Down denise swift asked 17 years ago Hi Gerry, I have a silverbirch tee nin my garden which is approx. 20 years old, It has had neither a bud nor leaf for the past 2 seasons. There are no signs of damage or decay on the bark. Kind regards, Denise. 1 Answers 0 Vote Up Vote Down Gerry Daly Staff answered 7 years ago There is a range of diseases that can affect birch, which is a very fast-growing but soft-wooded tree and prone to collapse when attacked by fungi.