Two of the most common birch tree species in the northeast are the river birch and white birch.
River birch tree care instructions.
The river birch is a fast growing water loving deciduous tree native to much of the united states.
As its name suggests the river birch naturally grows along riverbanks.
Its scientific name is betula nigra.
The river birch tree betula nigra l is deciduous and grows to a height of 40 to 70 feet with an almost equal spread.
Take care of the easy stuff first by removing side shoots and suckers as necessary.
The birch tree is popular among homeowners due to its beautiful bark modest size and graceful branches.
Care information thrives in deep loamy moist but well drained soil amended with sand or gravel but highly adaptable.
Its diamond shaped double toothed leaves produce an erect or spreading canopy that covers.
Department of agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9.
The river birch tree betula nigra is a moderate to fast growing deciduous tree that thrives in u s.
How to take care of river birch trees.
The species is valued for its relatively rapid growth tolerance of wetness and some drought unique curling bark spreading limbs and relative resistance to birch borer.
Once established tolerates mild drought but reaches maximum growth in rich fertile evenly moist soils.
Its attractive bark is especially striking in the winter when the rest of the tree is bare.
Next decide which branches to remove.
A fast growing shade tree river birch betula nigra is the most widely adapted of the birch trees it is hardy in u s.
River birch is a fast growing deciduous semi aquatic tree that reaches between 50 and 90 feet in height.
River birches can grow to 80 feet tall but.
Michelle miley 08 july 2013.
Keep reading to learn more river birch tree facts such as river birch tree care and effectively using river birch trees in the landscape of your home.
Department of agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9a in usda zones 8b and 9a river birch needs regular irrigation to survive the heat.
The river birch is a popular tree for river banks and wet parts of the garden.
The white birch tree is characterized by its beautiful white bark when mature and drooping branches whereas the river birch tree has a brownish red exfoliating bark.
Unlike other birches that have white barks the river birch s bark is reddish brown and curls and peels naturally adding visual interest to the plant.
Birch tree borers are tree killers and you should reduce the risk of attack by cutting after their early summer flying season whenever possible.
There are several steps in pruning a birch tree.
Water deeply regularly in first few growing seasons to establish root system.
But as a landscape tree it can be planted almost anywhere in the u s.
How to prune a birch tree.