[phelim_d]

Hi there
I set a few hundred common birch and alder (60-90cm) this winter and the cold north westerly gales in May badly dessicated the leaves- they shrivelled and died off a majority of the trees.
Last year- a milder calmer year the same trees took very well in the same area.

Will trees recover when most if not all of their first set of leaves have been taken off?

I guess the alders will as they seem to withstand a nuclear blast, but I reckon the form and shape of the birch will be ruined for a few years...

PS - every cloud etc- the few bay leaf willows set seem to love the place...

[James Kilkelly]

First year meaning the roots were not established and therefore not able to keep up with the water loss from the leaves.
I wouldn't worry too much yet.
Give them another year in court.