A group of Duluth, Minn., scientists is extracting a natural chemical from birch bark that appears to hold incredible potential for fighting diseases.

White birches are considered short-lived trees. Few live longer than 120 years or so in the best locations. In an urban or suburban situation, 40 years is a long life for a birch.

MASON CITY — Diseases and stress from weather events the past few years are starting to take their toll on some North Iowa trees. Some have already started changing colors ...

Birch trees didn't suffer this winter like a lot of species, ... White birch is susceptible to borers, ... If it's leaf disease, the tree will likely push out a new set of leaves ...