How big is the largest birch tree?
When you plant a Birch tree, try to provide as close a surrounding as possible to its natural one. The Betula occidentalis, Red Birch, grow tall up to 90 ft whereas the popular Betula Papyrifera (paper Birch) grows anywhere from 45 feet to a majestic 100 feet. The Betula Pendula (Silver Birch) reaches a height of 70 -75 feet.
What is the height of the river birch?
They tend to grow between 40 and 70 feet (12-21 m.) in height. In nature, you will most likely find a river birch tree growing near water. Because of its affinity for wet, heavy soil, planting a river birch tree can fill in spaces where nothing else seems to grow.
Where do river birch trees grow 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.
Do river birch have invasive roots?
The trees are tolerant of excessive water but require full sun for proper growth. 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.
Are river birches good trees?
It is one of the very best fast-growing shade trees, valued as a landscape tree for the colorful exfoliating bark which is particularly noticeable in the winter. It is one of the most culturally adaptable and heat tolerant of the birches and a good substitute for pest-prone paper and white birches.
How much space does a river birch tree need?
Since river birches can reach 40 to 50 feet tall and 20 to 30 feet wide, they need plenty of room to grow. Space them 15 to 20 feet apart and at least that far from hardscape elements. Avoid planting them in shallow soil in USDA zones 8b and 9a, so they can establish deep root systems to survive the heat.
How many years does it take for a river birch to mature?
River birches will take two or three years before they begin to produce catkins. Failure to bloom is usually traced to a temporary cultural problem—untimely frost that kills the buds as they are just forming, or prolonged drought.
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 messy tree?
Though they are beautiful, River Birch Trees are messy and require more upkeep than other types of trees. These birches can create a lot of mess because of their shedding leaves, sticks, seeds, and peeling bark.
Are river birch roots invasive?
The roots of River Birch are not a threat to the nearby foundations as they're not invasive. But they are extremely absorptive notably near the surface, therefore, they restrict the plants to grow near the base of the River Birch tree. The roots require acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained, wet and clay soils.
Should river birch trees be trimmed?
Annual pruning promotes healthy and attractive growth. The best times to prune river birch are during late spring, late fall and winter. Pruning in the spring before the first leaves emerge will cause the tree to lose sap, and fresh pruning cuts can attract birch borers in the summer.
What is the life expectancy of a birch tree?
Compared with other hardwoods, birches can be short-lived trees that rarely live beyond 100 years. But it is not uncommon for birch trees — especially the white-barked varieties — to die before reaching 20 years.
How deep do river birch roots go?
Birch tree roots spread as far as the tree grows wide and create an intensive mat of roots 4-8 inches thick below the soil surface and spread 20-40 feet as they mature, leading to issues with underground structures. In general, a birch tree's root system doubles in size during its first year alone.
Is river birch good for backyard?
It is hardy in all U.S. climate zones, it is fast-growing, nicely forked, wind and ice resistant. Heritage river birch is an excellent selection with superior vigor, larger leaves, and greater resistance to leaf spot.
Why are birch trees planted in threes?
Height. One possible reason people plant silver birches in groups of three is to reduce their height. In the wild, this tree can attain 100 feet, making it too tall for many backyards and gardens.
Do river birch trees need a lot of water?
The river birch should be watered slowly. This will allow the water to seep into each area that you water and penetrate deep into the soil around the tree. A soaker hose works best if you have one. You can run it about a foot from the drip line and water it once a week during the spring and summer.
How much room does a birch tree need?
Birch grows best in cool sites and full sun. Space trees 30 to 40 feet apart. Space weeping and shorter forms closer together. Keep young trees well watered.
Do river birch trees need a lot of water?
The river birch should be watered slowly. This will allow the water to seep into each area that you water and penetrate deep into the soil around the tree. A soaker hose works best if you have one. You can run it about a foot from the drip line and water it once a week during the spring and summer.
How long does a river birch tree live?
75 yearsIt prefers sandy, moist, acidic soil and full sun. Pruning can assure a single-stem tree and establish a stronger structure to resist ice damage. 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.
How close can I plant a silver birch tree to my house?
Silver birches are among the best trees for small gardens since they never produce too dense a canopy and their root systems are unlikely to shift foundations. That said, always make sure they are planted at least 10 feet from the house.
Where do river birch trees grow?
In the wild, river birch grows near the banks of streams and rivers, bottomlands, and floodplains throughout the eastern U.S., from eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey to the Florida panhandle and as far west as southeastern Iowa, Oklahoma, and eastern Texas. Young river birch branches shed their outer bark in papery curls.
What are the flowers on birch trees?
In addition to the exfoliating bark that offers year-round appeal, river birch produces showy, reddish-green, 2- to 3-inch long male (staminate) flowers called catkins at the ends of branches. They appear in late summer and autumn and remain on the tree during the winter. In the spring, when the drooping, dark brown pollen-bearing male catkins expand and bloom, separate, greenish, ¾- to 1¼-inch long non-showy female (pistillate) catkins emerge from shortened shoots called spurs. These upright female catkins resemble small pine cones. Birch trees are monoecious, meaning that male and female flowers are produced in separate structures on the same tree. The wind-pollinated female catkins develop into brown, dangling structures that bear many small, brown, winged nutlets, which are dispersed by the wind.
Why is my river birch leaf yellowing?
River birch requires acidic soils and may suffer from leaf yellowing, or chlorosis, caused by an iron deficiency at soil pH levels of 6.5 or higher. Naturalized landscape planting of Cully river birch ( Betula nigra ‘Cully’ Heritage®). Mark Weathington, JC Raulston Arboretum.
What is the most widely adapted birch tree in South Carolina?
River birch ( Betula nigra) is the most widely adapted of all the birches and grows throughout South Carolina. It is hardy in USDA Cold Hardiness Zones 4 to 9. River birch’s widespread popularity is widely attributed to the year-round interest of its peeling or exfoliating two-toned bark. On younger trunks and branches the pinkish ...
Why do river birch leaves shed?
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. River birch requires acidic soils and may suffer from leaf yellowing, or chlorosis, caused by an iron deficiency at soil pH levels of 6.5 or higher.
How tall does a BNMTF tree get?
‘BNMTF’ (Dura-Heat®) –This heat- and drought-tolerant selection grows up to 50 feet tall and 30 feet wide with a dense broad columnar to oval-rounded crown. The peeling bark exposes creamy-white inner bark. Its leathery, lustrous dark green leaves, smaller than the species, turn yellow in the fall. Discovered as a seedling by Dwayne Moon of Moon’s Tree Farm in Loganville, GA.
What is the aphid on birch?
In the spring, spiny witch hazel gall aphids that either overwintered as eggs on witch hazel bark ( Hamamelis spp.) or as immature females beneath the birch bark feed on the sap of newly expanding river birch leaves. Their feeding causes the leaves to become distorted. The puckered or “corrugated” upper leaf surface produces deep channels on the lower leaf surfaces where the aphids feed; they are further protected by a coating of waxy-white granular material. After several generations, winged female aphids return to witch hazel to complete their life cycle.
How tall is a river birch tree?
River birch was first cultivated in 1736. Although it tends to be a medium-sized tree, one tree in Alabama has grown to 111 feet tall, with a diameter of more than 4 feet. River birch can be used as a screen or shade tree, and as a street tree with irrigation.
Where is river birch found?
The tree is the only birch found in the Southern U.S., ranging from Florida to eastern Texas, and is know for its attractive cinnamon-colored, peeling bark.
What is the best soil for birch?
Culture: River birch likes moist, fertile soil with a pH of 6.5 or less. It develops chlorosis if planted in high pH areas. It prefers full sun, but will grow in part shade. It does well in locations that are wet part of the year. River birch is hardy to Zone 4. River birch will drop its leaves during a drought when it is planted on a hot, dry site. It is susceptible to damage in ice storms, although it tends to be resistant to limb breakage in general. River birch will produce surface roots, especially on wet or clay soils. River birch has fewer insect and disease problems than any other birch. It can have problems with leaf spot, birch leaf miner and aphids, but it is the only birch that is immune to the bronze birch borer.
How long does a sage tree live?
Growth rate is medium to fast, averaging 30 to 40 feet over 20 years. It is short-lived in urban areas, lasting 30 to 40 years. It lives longer when planted in moist areas. Flower and fruit: Male flowers are 2- to 3-inch-long, slender, dark brown catkins that are clustered and drooping.
How big are the leaves of the sage?
Leaf: Alternate, simple, 2 to 4 inches long and 3/4 to 2½ inches wide. Medium to dark green in summer, leaves turn yellow in fall, when they drop quickly.
How big do a pyramidal tree get?
It forms several forks from the base, and each trunk leans outward. Tree size: 40 to 70 feet tall, although it can reach 90 feet, with a 40- to 60-foot spread. Growth rate is medium to fast, averaging 30 to 40 feet over 20 years.
When do river birches ripen?
River birches are attractive when planted in groups, especially against a dark background. River birch seed ripens in May and June. The ripening of seed coincides with high water levels of rivers, its native setting, allowing the seed to be carried long distances by the water.
How big does a river birch tree get?
River birch is a medium to tall tree, growing 60-80 feet at maturity and about 40 wide. Trees typically live 50 -75 years. The trunk typically grows about 2 feet in diameter but occasionally will be much wider. This shade tree has highly symmetrical branching and upright pyramidal to upright oval form.
How many trunks does a river birch tree have?
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 name of the tree that grows in the river?
This tree usually goes by the common name river birch but it is sometime referred to as water birch. The species name nigra refers to the black color of the mature bark of the wild species. This deciduous tree has limited usefulness for timber but because of its graceful form and attractive bark it is frequently used in ornamental plantings in ...
What color are birch leaves?
The leaves are typical of a birch – alternate, diamond-shaped, with a doubly serrated margin. They are a shiny, medium green color on the upper surface and a slightly paler, more silvery color on the underside. In the fall leaves may turn a bright golden yellow but often the fall color is dull and brownish-yellow.
What color is a river birch?
River birch in winter, spring, summer and fall. The bark on the trunk varies a lot among individual plants, ranging in color from silvery gray-brown to pinkish-brown when young, but always with darker, narrow, longitudinal lenticels.
Where is the river birch native to?
River Birch, Betula nigra. River birch, Betula nigra, has graceful form and attractive bark. There are many species of birch native to the northern hemisphere. Betula nigra is one native to flood plains and swamps of the eastern US. This primarily streambank tree is most abundant in the hot, humid Southeast, but ranges from New England ...
When do birch seeds mature?
A female catkin. River birch seeds. The numerous winged seeds mature in late spring (unlike all other birches which produce seed in the fall), packed between the bracts of the female catkins. The seeds are the largest of all birches native to the U.S. Heavy seed production occurs almost every year.
How tall do birch trees grow?
These trees prefer full sun but will tolerate partial shade. They tend to grow between 40 and 70 feet (12-21 m.) in height.
What is a river birch tree?
Image by LAByrne. The river birch is a popular tree for river banks and wet parts of the garden. Its attractive bark is especially striking in the winter when the rest of the tree is bare.
Is river birch hardy?
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.
Can river birch trees grow in water?
In nature, you will most likely find a river birch tree growing near water. Because of its affinity for wet, heavy soil, planting a river birch tree can fill in spaces where nothing else seems to grow. If you have water on your property, consider lining it with river birch trees.
How big do birch trees get?
Size Ranges. The mature size of birch trees varies depending on the species. In general, they range from 40 to 70 feet tall, with canopy widths of between 35 to 60 feet. However, because they are so susceptible to health issues, they often remain much smaller in landscape cultivation.
How tall do sweet birch trees get?
Sweet birch trees (Betula lenta) are hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8. These water-loving trees feature sweet-smelling leaves and bark, which gives rise to the tree's common name. They grow at a moderate rate and present at about 6 feet tall at 12 years. By age 20, they have an average height of about 46 feet. By maturity, these trees reach a height of about 60 feet tall on average, although much taller specimens have been discovered.
What causes birch trees to die?
Eventually, they girdle, or surround and strangle, parts of the tree. Usually the tree dies from the crown down . Aphids and other sap sucking insects also tend to infest birch trees, but they do not usually threaten the life of the tree. Birch trees may suffer from disfiguring fungal diseases, especially in wet weather, which can cause the leaves to turn yellow and brown or drop prematurely from the tree. All of these issues can adversely affect the growth of the tree.
What is the best soil for birch trees?
Birch trees grow best in full sun with consistently moist, but well-draining soil. They prefer their leaves to get full sun, while the soil remains cool. Although the trees are adaptable to a wide range of soil types, some species of birch have pH preferences. Both the river and sweet birches grow best in acidic soil, which has a pH level of 6.0 or lower. Birch trees also have shallow roots, so turf and other plants do not grow well around the trees and can interfere with or damage their root systems.
Why are my birch trees turning yellow?
Birch trees may suffer from disfiguring fungal diseases, especially in wet weather, which can cause the leaves to turn yellow and brown or drop prematurely from the tree.
How tall does a Betula nigra tree grow?
One of the hardiest species, it has peeling, light brown park and small, true green leaves. This tree has a rounded canopy and grows to a maximum height of 70 feet and width of 60 feet.
What soil does a birch tree need?
Both the river and sweet birches grow best in acidic soil, which has a pH level of 6.0 or lower. Birch trees also have shallow roots, so turf and other plants do not grow well around the trees and can interfere with or damage their root systems.
How long does it take for a river birch tree to grow?
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.
When do river birch trees bloom?
They form at different times; the male catkins form in fall and bloom in the spring, when the female catkins appear. After pollination, clusters of small, brown winged fruit form in the spring.
What is the name of the birch that leaves blotches?
River birch is one of the more trouble-free of the birches, but like any birch, it may fall prey to the birch leafminer ( Fenusa pusilla ). The symptoms are large blotches on the leaves. The best treatment is a systemic pesticide that targets these insects. These chemicals are best applied by a professional.
What is the best tree to grow in the spring?
After pollination, clusters of small, brown winged fruit form in the spring. A river birch is an excellent choice as a specimen tree. The salmon-red peeling bark will provide color throughout all of the seasons. This tree works well in locations with wet soil, such as along ponds and streams or in low-lying spots.
How long do birch trees live?
While some native trees have been known to live 150 years, most of the cultivars are reaching the end of their expected lifespans within 30 to 40 years. Botanical Name. Betula nigra. Common Name. River birch, water birch, black bird, red birch. Plant Type. Deciduous tree. Mature Size.
How to keep a tree from drying out?
Water deeply for two to three hours once a week to keep the soil around the tree moist. This tree needs damp soil and will suffer during periods of drought. Adding mulch will help keep the soil cool, which will protect the roots from drying out. Do not place mulch where it will touch the trunk. A thirsty tree is more likely to suffer insect or disease problems.
What climate zone do acorn trees grow in?
Temperature and Humidity. These trees are suited to grow in USDA zones 4 to 9, but they prefer relatively cool climates. The species version will not perform well in the southern end of this range, but several cultivars are bred to do well in warmer climates. This tree prefers humid weather over dry climates.
How tall are river birches?
Height & Width: 40 to 70’ high and 40 to 60’ wide. Growth Rate: Medium to fast. River birches are native to eastern North America and are naturally found growing along streams and in bottomlands from as far north as Massachusetts, south to Florida, and west to Kansas. Although this species of birch naturally colonizes moist environments, ...
How to grow a tree in a container?
Dig a hole that is roughly 1.5 times the diameter of the container and no deeper than the root ball. Gently place the tree in the hole, and make sure that the root flare is level with the soil surface. Break up any clods and backfill with the native soil from the hole.
How to trim a small tree?
Hand pruners are a great tool for trimming out small branches that are less than ½ in diameter. Use loppers to cut branches up to 3 inches in diameter . Larger branches should be removed with a hand saw. When using a hand saw, begin with an undercut on the bottom of the branch to prevent the bark from ripping and damaging the tree.
Does river birch grow fast?
River birch grows fairly quickly — especially when it doesn’t have to cope with dry spells. The versatility, growth rate and beauty of this species have made it a popular shade tree selection, especially for parks, spacious commercial plantings, and home gardens.
Is river birch a fast growing tree?
River birch is a fast-growing tree. See 14 more trees that will liven up your yard and add shade quickly..
Can river birch be planted in a small yard?
Small yard? No problem. Compact varieties are the perfect fit for a petite garden (see list below).
When do leaf spots appear on trees?
However, there are a few issues to be aware of when caring for these trees. Rainy weather in the late summer and early fall creates the perfect environment for leaf spot disease. Small, dark spots will quickly spread across the leaves of affected trees, eventually leading to premature leaf drop.
Mature Height/Spread
Growth Rate
- Expect river birch to grow at a medium to rapid rate (1 ½ to 2 feet per year), particularly in moist, fertile, well-drained locations in full sun to moderate shade.
Ornamental Features
- In addition to the exfoliating bark that offers year-round appeal, river birch produces showy, reddish-green, 2- to 3-inch long male (staminate) flowers called catkins at the ends of branches. They appear in late summer and autumn and remain on the tree during the winter. In the spring, when the drooping, dark brown pollen-bearing male catkins expand and bloom, separate, greenis…
Landscape Use
- 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. River birch requires acidic soils and may suffer from leaf yellowing, or chlorosis, caused by an ir…
Problems
- River birch has no serious pests. Fungal leaf spot diseases may result in early leaf drop during rainy summers. This typically occurs late in the season and usually is not severe enough to warrant fungicide applications. River birch is resistant to bronze birch borer, a North American native insect that attacks white-barked birches, but is susceptible to the spiny witch hazel gall a…
Cultivars
- ‘BNMTF’ (Dura-Heat®) –This heat- and drought-tolerant selection grows up to 50 feet tall and 30 feet wide with a dense broad columnar to oval-rounded crown. The peeling bark exposes creamy-white in...