Question
we have a heritage birch planted spring 2008. We are located in Nebraska. Have had some late freezes, could this have delayed the tree to bud out. It appears to have very tiny buds that are not doing anything. Could the freeze have damaged the tree or do we just have to wait?

Answer
Yes the late freeze could have killed the buds. But hardwoods usually will bud out again. The tree should form new buds and about all that you may have is some growth loss. I would water it during dry periods with 1 inch of water per week-place a pan under the tree and turn the sprinkler on and when the pan has 1 inch of water in it stop.