Q: Our 12-year-old weeping birch tree appears to have died because all the leaves have turned brown. Do you think it is a goner or should we wait to see if it revives next year? What do you think ...

Dear Neil: I have two weeping willows, one hybrid poplar and a river birch tree. They are all fairly close to one another. The willows and poplar are 2 years old, and I've had the birch for one year.

Q. (My) birch tree, planted many years ago, has never really grown full. In the spring, it will get tiny green leaves but (it’s) still very airy and not full foliage. We’ve been told not to prune it.

These are among the worst trees to plant in your yard for their invasiveness, messiness, and high maintenance.