Birch - environment, pruning, propagation, planting

Birch ( Betula L. ) is a genus of deciduous trees in the Betulaceae family, originating from regions with a temperate climate and widespread in the northern hemisphere. It is generally found in the lowland and hilly areas. Most are medium or small trees. It has an elegant appearance and a straight trunk, with whitish bark that exfoliates in strips. The Birch has glabrous buds, ovoid-conical in shape, covered with viscous secretions and rhomboidal-triangular leaves. They are alternately arranged, in some species they can be double-serrated. It is a unisexual monoecious species, with male flowers grouped in aments. The seeds are very light and are transported by wind over long distances. In their first years, birches grow rapidly and germinate abundantly. Their lifespan is up to 100 years. They are planted as solitary trees or in groups. They are grown in gardens and parks, coming in contrast with darker trees.

Species and varieties

Betula pendula (silver birch). It grows as a size II tree, with a maximum height of 25 m, with an irregular trunk. It develops a wide crown, with thin branches and pendant tendrils. Varieties:

‘Fastigiata’ – it can reach a height of 16 m and it has branches that are oriented upwards.
‘Purpurea’ – it can reach a height of 10 m. The leaves are red-purple.
‘Youngii’ – it has a maximum height of 6 m. It is also called Young’s weeping birch, because it has the branches bent towards the ground.
‘Dalecarlica’ – it can reach a height of 15-17 m and it has deeply lobed leaves, colored in dark green. Mature trees form a columnar crown.

Betula pubescens. It is a size II tree. It reaches a maximum height of 30 m. It develops a wide, elegant crown, with droopy branches. The bark of the trunk has a darker shade than the other species. Varieties:

var. Carpatica – is an indigenous species. It grows in mountainous areas (peatland).

Betula albo-sinensis. It is a size II tree, native to China. It has an orange bark.

Betula ermanii. It is a size II tree. It develops a wide, elegant crown. The bark is white-yellow and it has straight, upwards-oriented aments.

Betula nigra. It is a size I-II tree, it develops a wide crown and it has several stems. The bark exfoliates in large strips that do not come off.

Betula papyrifera. It is a tall tree, native to North America. The bark is white and it exfoliates in papyrus-like strips.

Care

Light. In general, Birches are heliophilous trees (they grow optimally in bright places).

Temperature. B. pendula and B. pubescens are frost-resistant species, being specific to mountainous areas. B. albo-sinensis and B. ermanii prefer a milder climate.

Soil. Birch grows optimally in damp soils and it can be affected by excessive drought. It cannot withstand calcareous and compact soils. B. pendula also can grow in sandy, “poor” soils.

Fertilization. To stimulate the rich growth of trees and shrubs, during the vegetative growth period, it is recommended to apply specific fertilizers.

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Planting

Before planting, the root system must be supplied with plenty of water. In this sense, you can immerse the bundle of earth that surrounds the roots or the pot in a bowl of water for a few hours. Planting should be done in spring or autumn, during the vegetative dormancy period, at temperatures above 5° C, if the soil is not frozen and there is no danger of frost. Be sure to purchase planting material from authorized nurseries. Immediately after planting, the soil must be trodden, to avoid air gaps that could affect the roots, and, after that, water abundantly. After planting, keep the soil always moist.

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Propagation

Birches can be propagated through seeds or grafting.

Propagation through seeds – the fruits have to be harvested when they start having a yellow-brown color, are hard, and begin to separate. The harvesting period is between August and November, depending on the area. After harvesting, the fruits must be left to dry, in a well-ventilated place and sown immediately after drying, preferably in autumn, in damp sand. After this, the area has to be covered with coniferous branches or hay, which must be removed in spring, after the danger of frost has passed.