Unfortunately, paper birch trees do not thrive in metropolitan environments, where they must contend with drought, pollution, and heat. The limbs snap easily on blustery days, especially when weighted with ice and snow, despite the fact that they prefer cool temperatures. Regardless of these flaws, they’re worth planting for their stunning bark, which stands out against a dark background.
The Definition of the Paper Birch Tree
The paper birch tree (also known as the canoe birch) grows naturally along lake shores and stream banks in the United States and Canada. Although they only have one trunk, garden centers prefer to plant them in three-trunk clusters, which are known as clumping birches.
Only a few feet separate the lowest limb from the earth. The leaves turn a brilliant shade of yellow in the autumn. By planting one of these trees, you will always have something interesting to look at in your yard.
Paper Birch Tree Information
Durham Tree Service is a company that specializes in tree removal Paper birch trees require special attention.
A paper birch tree can grow up to 35 feet wide and 60 feet tall, with an annual growth rate of two feet. The tree’s most noticeable feature is its peeling white bark with black and pink streaks. It produces hanging clusters of catkins in the spring that are particularly attractive when in bloom.
Fall foliage on many specimens are brilliant and vibrant. Caterpillars use this tree as a larval host. Many birds, including sparrows, chickadees, sapsuckers, and pine skins, are attracted to them.
Here are a few ways to employ paper birch in your yard:
Plant them in clumps in moist beds and borders. Because of its thin canopy, you can grow other plants beneath them.
To gradually transition from the forests to open ground, use birches.
Despite their lightness, the roots rarely appear above the soil’s surface. A birch can be used as a roadside or yard tree.
Paper Birch Tree Maintenance
Paper birch trees are easy to uproot and require little shock. Plant them in a spot with damp, well-drained soil and total sunshine. The trees acclimate to many soil types as long as it is cool in the summertime. Summers are pleasant, and winters are long.
These trees are vulnerable to several insects like the bronze birch borers. If you reside in an area where these pests are an issue, plant a tree type such as snowy.
You can also aid the tree in fighting birch borers by fertilizing with environmentally friendly mulch every year in the springtime. It’s recommended not to prune this tree except if necessary since it draws insects, and the tree bleeds an ample amount of sap when cut.
Soil
These trees flourish best in a rocky or sandy loam soil that is reasonably moist. It genuinely favors acidic soil but will do well in soil with a small alkaline or neutral pH.
Giant trees that start to exhibit die-back might have no disease at all. These trees might be at the end of their lives. As a paper birch tree approaches its 30th birthday, you can anticipate it to weaken and die.
For more information on paper birch trees, reach out to us at RJ Tree Service Pros. Our tree experts can help you choose the right type for your landscape.