The peeling white bark blends well with winter’s snowy surroundings.
The leaves of this tree grow 2 to 4 inches long with double-toothed margins.
The small dry fruit (nutlets) form in clusters on drooping catkins that turn brown upon maturity.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
The paper birch, being amonoecioustree, bears both male and female catkins.
Do not plant paper birch in compacted soil or in climates that have periods of intense heat.
And be prepared to remove older trees, as this species is not long-lived.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Soil
Paper birch grows best in sandy or rocky loam soil that is fairly moist.
Temperature and Humidity
This tree grows best in cooler climates and cool soil temperatures.
For the amount to use, follow the product label instructions.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Other than the occasional shaping, paper birch does not need much pruning.
The tree tends to shed smaller branches on its own.
The seeds are small, with wings that help them fly on the breeze.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Place the seeds in a small container filled with compost or humus.
Cover the seeds with a thin layer of potting soil and sprinkle them with water.
They need to be in the cold for six months.
After the six months is over, set the container on a sunny windowsill for light and warmth.
The soil should be kept moist.
The seeds should sprout within a few weeks.
Thin out the seedlings until you have one strong contender.
This can be planted in the ground in the spring after all danger of frost has passed.
Overwintering
A good layer of mulch underneath the tree will help it through the winter.
Also, keep an eye on the water the tree is getting.
These symptoms generally start at the top of the tree and move downward.
Badly affected trees will need to be removed and replaced.
double-check your trees are not competing with your lawn for moisture.
Another potential drought problem is birch dieback, where the branches of the birch tree die out over time.
Expect this fast-growing tree to add 12 to 24 inches over the course of a single season.
River birchhas bark that peels dramatically in layers to reveal reddish-brown underlayers over bright white inner bark.
It is a good choice in regions where bronze birch bore is a severe problem.
