The Paper or White Birch tree is considered to be one of the most attractive tree species in North America. Its’ handsome summer and fall foliage, graceful form and showy white bark keep this Birch species in demand for landscaping applications. Paper Birch was once used by northern Native Americans to build canoes and is also known as ‘Canoe Birch’.
The Paper Birch is a good selection for northern climates if sited and cared for properly. The native Paper (White) Birch is generally a more reliable performer with more inherent boring insect resistance than many of the exotic white bark Birches from Europe and Asia. In addition, there are Paper Birch “eco-types” available that have been selected from some of the most stressful native sites in the species vast transcontinental growing range. Cultivar selections like ‘Prairie Dream’ from the Kildeer Mountains of North Dakota and ‘Renaissance Oasis’ from southwestern Ohio are two examples of Paper Birch cultivars with very good resistance to borers and environmental extremes.
The Paper or White Birch is a tree that performs best in cool, moist soil and needs a full or partial sun exposure. Providing these conditions help insure the tree performs at its’ best. Apply mulch over the tree’s root system to create and preserve optimal growing conditions. Paper Birch tolerates typical alkaline Midwestern soils. Surprisingly, it excels in these soil conditions, compared to the more popular River Birch. The Paper Birch should not be pruned during late winter through spring due to the copious bleeding that occurs from sap rising during that time of the year. It is in a class of trees called “bleeders” along with Maples, Walnuts and other tree species with a similar physiology. Violating this rule can weaken the tree and increase vulnerability to attack by the Bronze Birch Borer. Japanese Beetle and Leaf Miner insects are problems in some years, although generally not a serious one. Again, stressed trees are more vulnerable to disease and insect attacks.
The Paper Birch is hardy in USDA Zones 2b through 6. It will survive in warmer zones if it’s planted in a north-facing sheltered location and receives sufficient moisture. Choosing one of the cultivars with enhanced stress and pest resistance for use in these areas can substantially reduce any potential problems. Every year, the Paper Birch bears tiny seeds produced in small “catkins” that are dispersed by the wind. This typically starts in September and lasting through November. A small quantity are retained through the winter and released during snow cover. The wind may scatter seeds for miles over the snow in exposed windswept locations, but litter is not typically a serious problem.
In summary, the Paper or White Birch is a very attractive “site specific” species for use in appropriate landscape situations. Adhering to its’ particular requirements will reward us with a beautiful landscape addition, whether planted in the popular “clump form” or as a “single stem”. It can be found in many local nurseries. However, many of the “patented” cultivars need to be requested by the specific ‘cultivar name’. It is a valuable addition, worthy of inclusion in our “diversified urban tree species planting list”.
Harold Hoover Kramer Tree Specialists Board Certified Master Arborist IL-1478B
Leave a comment describing your experience with the Paper Birch!
Could these trees work between a house and driveway in a grassy section five feet wide and sunny?
Hi Chris,
Thank you for your email. The area you are looking to plant these would be very small and would not be a good growing place for them. With the mature width of this tree you would want at least four times that size all around it. Not only for the canopy but for the root system as well. For an area this small, ornamental shrubs, grasses or perennials would be the best choice.
Thanks,
can you plant a paper birch around walnut trees?
Paper birch, also known as white birch, is sensitive to the toxicity that walnut trees put out in the soil. Here is a list of trees that are sensitive and tolerant of the juglans from a walnut tree.
https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-and-plant-advice/horticulture-care/plants-tolerant-black-walnut-toxicity
Hope this helps!
I’m looking for a tree that grows roots straight down. Would this tree work?
Birch trees typically have very shallow root systems growing very near the top of the soil. Not likely the best candidate if you are looking for a deep rooting tree. Some deep root trees would include White Oak, Hickory, Black or Sweetgum and some others. It really depends where you live, the soil you are growing in, the amount of moisture in the space as well as sun light or shade.
Good luck on selecting the tree best for your space!
I have clump version of paper birch. Should I trim the “suckers” that come up or let them join the other trunks
This is more an aesthetic desire of yours, whether you like the suckers or not. The tree is putting them out for a reason, to generate more energy. Although, often times they are insignificant and removing them would be fine. Sometimes they may grow large enough where they become problematic from a structure and tree form standpoint. If there are not that many, then pruning them should be fine. If there are a lot of them, I would have the tree looked at by an ISA Certified Arborist for other potential problems that may be going on with the tree. From there, the best recommendation for the health of the tree can be prescribed.