Small varieties of these slender, graceful trees fit in suburban yards.
There are about 50 species in the birch genusBetula.
Birches are native to North America, Europe, and Asia.
They usually thrive in moist soil and are often found near rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Because of their fast growth rate, birches are often chosen for new landscapes.
Many native birch species provide a welcome habitat for local wildlife.
see to it to research the specific needs of the pop in of birch tree you are planting.
Plant the tree as far away as possible from sidewalks, driveways, patios, and building foundations.
Dig a planting hole at least twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
Position the tree in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
Water newly planted trees regularly and deeply during the first growing season.
Aim to provide trees with at least 1 inch of water per week.
Light
Birches grow best infull sunalthough some types tolerate partial shade.
The same applies to the pH level.
Temperature and Humidity
Birches are extremely cold-hardy.
Dwarf birches grow in the tundra of the Arctic region.
At the other end of the temperature spectrum, they are less adaptable.
In areas with hot summers (above Zone 7) and high humidity.
they tend to have a shorter lifespan.
Mulching around the base of the tree is sufficient to add organic matter to the soil.
Never remove more than 25% of the crown at once.
As for the timing, prune the tree after it has dropped its leaves in the fall.
Do not prune it in spring and summer because the fresh wounds may attract the bronze birch borer.
Many species of birch are susceptible to bronze birch borer.
Trees that are struggling in hot, dry conditions are especially vulnerable.
The propagation method varies with the species.
The tree is single- or multi-stemmed and grows 50 to 70 feet tall.
Paper birch is native to the northern United States and Canada.
A popular cultivar is Heritage with a highly textural peeling bark that is lighter in color than the species.
It is native to Alaska and it is extremely cold-tolerant.
Dwarf birch has small, rounded, and toothed leaves.
It is often pruned as a low hedge.
The hybrid cultivar Golden Treasure (Cesky Gold) has bright, chartreuse-yellow foliage.
Zone 2-7
Himalayan Birch
Betula utilisis native to the mountainous forests of the Himalayas.
It has a pyramidal shape and grows 30 to 40 feet tall.
In the fall, the double-serrated, yellow-green to green leaves turn golden.
Zone 4-7
Birch Companion Plants
Lilyturf
Lilyturfmakes a tough groundcover below a birch tree.
It tolerates drought and grows even in the presence of the dense and shallow roots of a birch tree.
The broad, grassy leaves of lilyturf are often striped and evergreen in a warm climate.
Zone 3-11
Barrenwort
This perennial thrives in low light and tolerates root competition beneath trees and shrubs.
Dainty, columbine-like flowers in a wide range of colors emerge in early spring.
Barrenwort is a great option for dry or rocky soils where other plants may struggle.
Thequaking aspenis often mistaken for a birch tree because it looks similartall and slender with fairly small leaves.
