Fast facts and helpful tips about river birch tree care

Because of the natural appeal of its cinnamon-colored bark, the river birch is still a stunning tree during the winter, when most other trees have lost their beauty along with their leaves. During their growing season, they boast glossy, medium-green leaves, making them ideal for use in landscape design. So, too does the fact that they are resistant to bronze birch borers as well as other common pests and are tolerant of wet conditions and even dry periods during summer. 

When planting them, however, avoiding areas of very alkaline soil is best. For ongoing river birch tree care, they fare best when pruned only during dormancy and not during periods of active sap flow. Impressive in stature, they typically grow to heights of 40 to 90 feet with 40 to 60-foot spreads when they have fully reached maturity.

 

Tree growth with rapid results

Proper river birch tree care encourages their natural medium to fast growth rate, with annual height increases ranging from 13 inches to over 24 inches. This rapid growth rate makes them ideal for areas where you would like sizeable trees without the wait time of most trees as they mature. It also makes them ideal trees for creating shade or for use as focal features in the landscape.

For best growth, river birch trees require at least four hours of full sun on a daily basis. Planting them in areas where they receive direct, unfiltered exposure to sunlight and are only partially in the shade ensures that they will actually have the light they need. This sunlight is crucial to river birch tree care.

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Soil conditions

Soil composition, by contrast, is not so critical, as the trees grow well in a wide range of soils. River birch trees grow well in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained, wet and clay soils, making them ideal for many areas with widely varying conditions. They also tolerate drought and moderate flooding, but it is best to avoid very alkaline soil when considering river birch tree care and how to better encourage healthy growth.

 

How River Birches Grow

River birch trees, which grow in an oval shape, are extremely attractive, no matter the season. In their mature state, the trees have cinnamon-colored bark that curls and peels, and they feature triangular-shaped, glossy green leaves that are 2 to 3 inches in length. The leaves have double-toothed edges in alternate arrangements on the tree.

In April and May, river birch trees produce brown and green downy growths called catkins, which mature and yield a large number of tiny nutlets during the months of May and June. River birch tree catkins draw such songbirds as redpolls and pine siskins. Their foliage attracts deer and other wildlife foraging for food, as well. Also, a great enticement to songbirds are their small but plentiful seeds.

Depending on their cultivation, river birch trees grow either as single- or multi-stemmed trees. Their substantial root systems make them ideal for holding stream banks and controlling soil erosion.

 

What Climate is Best for the River Birch?

Because of their hardiness and tolerance of so many environmental conditions, the river birch has a geographical range bigger than any other type of birch tree in the United States. Ideal for use in landscapes throughout the South, they adapt well to hot climates and are therefore very popular trees in residential designs as well as in parks and commercial properties.

 

 Quality Tree Care and Maintenance

The outdoor experts at Executive Landscaping, Inc. have extensive knowledge in the care of river birch trees and know where they will provide the perfect focal point. The quality of our work speaks for itself, and our clients trust that we will bring their vision to life. Our greatest goal is always creating a unique design that showcases their property, and we take pride in the results we achieve.

 Call Executive Landscaping, Inc. to learn more about river birch tree care and the range of outdoor services we offer today!

 

 

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