Birch Trees

Info

Birch is the name of any tree of the genus Betula, in the family Betulaceae. They are closely related to the beech/oak family, Fagaceae. Birch species are generally small to medium-size trees or shrubs. The leaves are simple and may be toothed or pointed. The fruit is a small samara, although the wings may be obscure in some species. The bark of all birches is characteristically marked with long horizontal lenticels, and often separates into thin papery plates. It is practically imperishable due to the resinous oil which it contains. Its decided color gives the common names Red, White, Black, Silver and Yellow to different species.

Varieties

  • River Birch

    Large deciduous tree, growing up to 90’ in height and spreading 30-50’. Medium to rapid rate of growth. Most appealing feature is the exfoliating bark. Fall foliage is a pale yellow. Favors moist soils. Requires full sun and tolerates high temperatures.

  • Summer Cascade (weeping): Betula

    A new, weeping form of river birch. The tree has a unique, pendulous habit with graceful arching branches. “Summer Cascade” is ideal for use as a specimen tree or focal point, particularly with water features, or for use in group plantings or creative design elements including topiary. Extremely adaptable. Growth rate is 6-8’ in a single growing season.

Care and Maintenance

  1. Preparing the Hole

    Dig the hole as deep as the root ball, and as much as three times as wide as the diameter of the root ball. Breaking up the soil around the tree provides the newly emerging roots room to grow into loose soil to hasten establishment.

  2. Placing Your Tree

    Place the tree carefully in the center of the hole after removing it from the container. The tree's root collar (the bulge right above the root system) should be just above the top of the soil. Don't dig the hole too deep. It is better if the root collar is slightly (1 to 2") higher than ground level because of possible setting.

  3. Filling the Hole

    Carefully fill the hole with soil when the tree is positioned and straight. Fill the hole about 1/3 full and lightly push the soil around the base of the root ball. Fill the remainder of the hole taking care to gently but firmly pack soil to eliminate air pockets that may cause the roots to dry out. Don't plant the tree too deep. Back fill the soil to the height just below the root collar.

  4. Mulching

    Place 2 to 4 inches of mulch in a 2 to 3 foot circle around the tree. Keep the mulch from touching the trunk to keep fungus from growing on the trunk. Mulch can be aged wood chips or bark. Mulch helps keep roots moist and insulates them, and prevents weed growth. It is not recommended to apply fertilizer at the time of planting.

  5. Watering

    Water the tree well as soon as you plant it. Water the tree at least once a week for the first year after planting. A slow, root-saturating, one-hour trickle once a week is recommended for a new tree. The watering schedule should be adjusted accordingly if it rains or is very dry.