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Choose a planting site that receives full to partial sun, preferably in the morning hours. River birch needs cool, moist soil. Afternoon shade helps maintain cooler soil, so a site on the east or north of a house or building works best.
Where do river birch trees grow best?
River birch trees (Betula nigra) are hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9. They are more heat tolerant than most of their birch relatives, making them a good choice in many parts of the southern U.S. They grow naturally in wet environments along river and stream banks, so they are used to very moist soil.
How far should I plant a river birch from my house?
Site river birches at least 20 feet away from houses or power lines where local utility companies will need to trim the tree canopy. River birch roots seek out water and will take advantage of any cracks in an old water line, so avoid planting too close to sewer pipes (which often run through front yards).
Is river birch a good tree?
It is an excellent tree as its roots do a great job holding shorelines together, helping to prevent erosion. It is hardy, growing in zones 4-9. The river birch has a geographical range bigger than any birch in the states. It adapts well to hot climates and is the only birch found in southern states.
Are river birch tree roots invasive?
The roots of River Birch are far reaching but are non-invasive. Since the tree prefers to grow in moist, wet and clay soils therefore the roots do not penetrate deep in search of water since it is easily available in the upper layer of the soil.
When should I plant a river birch tree?
The best time to plant birch trees is in the spring or fall, when the soil is moist and temperatures are cool. If planting in the fall, allow at least four to six weeks before the ground freezes to give the roots enough time to become established (see What to Plant in Your Fall Garden).
How much sun does a river birch tree need?
Full sun and partial shade are best for this tree, meaning it prefers a minimum of four hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day.
Are birch trees good for backyards?
Birch is a good choice for town gardens, providing a light, dappled shade while accepting the prevailing soil conditions. Planted en masse, it lends a vertical distraction across the space.
How many trunks should a river birch have?
This shade tree has highly symmetrical branching and upright pyramidal to upright oval form. Although it naturally forms just a single trunk, it is frequently sold in multiple-trunked form with two to five trunks per tree. River birch in winter, spring, summer and fall.
What is the life expectancy of a river birch tree?
Any pruning should be done during dormancy, and not when the sap is flowing. This native birch grows at a medium to fast rate with a lifespan up to 75 years.
Are river birch trees messy?
This tree is very messy, with small branches and leaves being a problem all year long. The roots are massive and very dense near the surface, starving peripheral plants of nutrients and water and choking their roots.
Do river birch trees fall easily?
Although river birch thrives in wet areas, it tolerates fairly dry soils once it becomes established. However, river birch tends to shed leaves and twigs during dry spells in late summer and early fall in response to drought stress. Maintain a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch to conserve soil moisture.
How long does it take for a river birch tree to grow?
Plant a river birch tree in spring or fall when the soil is moist and the temperatures are cool. This is a fast-growing tree that averages about 36 inches of growth per year. Dwarf varieties may grow a bit slower, taking 10 years or so to reach 10 feet. River birches are not particularly long-lived trees, however.
How far should a tree be from your house?
To get the most useful shade on the house at a practical distance, place the tree 15 to 20 feet from the house. Small trees may be planted closer than 15 feet, but large trees should be planted 20 feet or more away from the house.
Why do birch trees grow in threes?
One possible reason people plant silver birches in groups of three is to reduce their height. Since the birch roots are both deep and wide-spreading, certain gardeners feel that by planting a cluster of three trees, the roots will have to share a small area and, as a result, may limit the height of the trees.
How do you trim a river birch tree?
Cut the slice parallel to the ground. Make the slice deep enough to cut through about one-fourth the diameter of the trunk. Avoid cutting into the opposite notch or at a level below the opposite notch. Walk around the birch to decide on the direction in which you want the tree to fall.
How do you care for a newly planted river birch tree?
Water the river birch tree once every 3 to 5 days in the spring. Using a trickling hose – water the tree slowly and deeply, over a one to two hour period. The river birch likes moist soil and should receive between 30 and 40 gallons of water a month, rainfall included.
Do river birch trees need to be staked?
Ideally, a tree, including a birch tree, should not be staked. Over time, it can make it weaker and unable to stand on its own, especially during difficult weather conditions. However, sometimes staking is in order, such as when young trees are planted in areas of high winds or are top-heavy.
Do deer eat river birch trees?
The River Birch tree is loved for its shade and tolerance to not only deer, but poor soils, various sunlight exposures, and divergent water offerings. The River Birch has lovely cinnamon-colored bark and produces rich green leaves in summer.
