How big can you buy a birch tree?

How big can you buy a birch tree?

Birch trees, the genus Betula, include a hotly debated number of species – botanists are unsure whether there are 3 different birches or closer to 60. Either way there’s a wide range of sizes and forms, from small shrubs to much larger trees. Some varieties can reach 70 feet or even higher.

Is a birch tree a good tree?

Tolerant of wet soil, river birch is a useful tree for rain gardens, low areas, and the banks of rivers and streams. However, this tree is a good choice for poor soils, tolerating acidic, dry and wet conditions, and it thrives in cool northern climates.

How long does it take for an birch tree to grow?

Birches tend to establish quickly and make rapid growth for the first 12-15 years. This will give a feeling of maturity to even relatively new gardens. For more ideas on choosing birch and where to buy them, see our RHS Find a Plant.

Are birch trees poisonous?

The slightly diluted or undiluted sap can have toxic effects. – Distillation of the bark produces birch tar, with intense and balsamic odor, which is irritating to the skin.

How far should a birch tree be planted from a house?

hitexplanter. I concur please consider relocating these trees at least 10 feet or more from your home. There are multiple issues to be concerned with. Roots, branches, ill shaped because it is too close to home it will never look right.

How long do white birch trees live?

A healthy birch tree should be able to survive and thrive for 40-50 years. In many yards, however, it is not unusual for birch trees, especially the white-barked birches, to die well before reaching 20 years of age.

Is White Birch fast growing?

Paper Birch are fast growing trees, but are generally short-lived, with an average life span of 80 years. Full sun and partial shade are best for this tree. The Paper Birch grows well in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained and clay soils. While it prefers normal moisture, the tree has some drought tolerance.

Are birch fast growing?

As ornamental trees, birch is as appealing as most things that live fast and die young. They reach maturity by 40, and a tree of 80 will be very old indeed. They grow fast as youngsters: you can grow a windbreak or a screen in five or 10 years.

Are birch trees easy to grow?

Birches are hardy, quick growing, and most require moist, sandy and loamy soil for solid growth. Birch trees are the rare deciduous trees that make an impact in the winter landscape with their striking white bark creating visual appeal even when leaves are gone.

Where do birch trees grow best?

remain cool and moist, but where the tree will also receive full sunshine on its leaves for much of the day. Excellent locations for placement of birch trees in the landscape generally are found on the east and north sides of a home where the building provides afternoon shade (Figure 1).

Can you eat a birch tree?

The birch species are well known, especially the strikingly beautiful white-barked varieties. The inner bark of birches is edible, making it an important survival food. You can also cut the bark into strips and boil like noodles to add to soups and stews or simply eat it raw.

How do you care for a birch tree?

One of the most critical requirements for a birch tree is a regular watering schedule. A slow, deep watering once a week should be used to ensure that the tree gets enough water, with watering tapering off at the end of the summer to allow the tree to get ready for winter.

How do you plant a birch tree?

Planting the Birch Tree Select a planting location with full sun. Choose a planting location with moist, slightly-acidic soil. Plant the seedling when it reaches 15 to 20 inches (40 to 50 cm) tall. Dig a shallow, wide hole in the ground. Place the seedling in the hole and replace the soil. Soak the seedling roots with water.

What color is a birch tree?

Birch trees are recognizable by their bark, which peels off in strips in all birches except the gray birch . The bark of the paper birch ranges in color from white to pink and papery. River birch bark is pinkish brown. The bark of young yellow birch trees is golden yellow.

What are the characteristics of a birch tree?

Birch is a medium-sized tree that can reach 30 to 50 feet in height. Some species may grow to the height of 80 feet under appropriate conditions. Birch has green leaves that are oval or elliptical in shape.