River Birch Root Cut by Mower: Will It Recover?

3–4 yr old river birch (25 ft) had a large feeder root cut 6″ from trunk by mower. Harvester ants colonized wound; leaves began dropping.

Prognosis: Excellent

One root cut on a young tree causes temporary stress but full recovery is typical. The tree will leaf out normally next spring.

Care

• Mulch 2–3″ over root zone (protects surface roots).
• Water 1″/week if dry.
• Don’t fertilize now.
• Ants are secondary; they’ll leave as wound dries.

River birch is resilient. No long-term harm expected.