This tree grows at a medium to fast rate, with height increases of anywhere from 13″ to more than 24″ per year.

How can I make my river birch grow faster?

Plant a river birch tree in spring or fall when the soil is moist and the temperatures are cool. This is a fast-growing tree that averages about 36 inches of growth per year. Dwarf varieties may grow a bit slower, taking 10 years or so to reach 10 feet.

How many feet does a river birch grow in a year?

River birch trees put on an average of 1 1/2 to 2 feet of growth each year although the growth rate varies depending on the growing conditions and age of the tree.

Where should I plant a river birch tree?

Choose a planting site that receives full to partial sun, preferably in the morning hours. River birch needs cool, moist soil. Afternoon shade helps maintain cooler soil, so a site on the east or north of a house or building works best.

Is a river birch a good shade tree?

River birch, Betula nigra, has graceful form and attractive bark. It is one of the very best fast-growing shade trees, valued as a landscape tree for the colorful exfoliating bark which is particularly noticeable in the winter.

How fast will a river birch tree grow?

This tree grows at a medium to fast rate, with height increases of anywhere from 13″ to more than 24″ per year.

What do you feed river birch trees?

Applying a general-purpose fertilizer designed for trees each year is helpful. You can choose from a slow-release fertilizer, such as granules you apply to the soil or stakes that you place into the ground close to the tree’s roots. Or, you can create a fertilizing solution using water and spray the tree thoroughly.

How far should I plant a river birch from my house?

Site river birches at least 20 feet away from houses or power lines where local utility companies will need to trim the tree canopy. River birch roots seek out water and will take advantage of any cracks in an old water line, so avoid planting too close to sewer pipes (which often run through front yards).

How far apart should you plant river birch trees?

Since river birches can reach 40 to 50 feet tall and 20 to 30 feet wide, they need plenty of room to grow. Space them 15 to 20 feet apart and at least that far from hardscape elements. Avoid planting them in shallow soil in USDA zones 8b and 9a, so they can establish deep root systems to survive the heat.

Are river birch tree roots invasive?

The roots of River Birch are far reaching but are non-invasive. Since the tree prefers to grow in moist, wet and clay soils therefore the roots do not penetrate deep in search of water since it is easily available in the upper layer of the soil.

Do river birch trees need a lot of water?

The river birch likes moist soil and should receive between 30 and 40 gallons of water a month, rainfall included. Note that during the heat of summer months, it is essential to water daily!

When should I plant a river birch tree?

The best time to plant birch trees is in the spring or fall, when the soil is moist and temperatures are cool. If planting in the fall, allow at least four to six weeks before the ground freezes to give the roots enough time to become established (see What to Plant in Your Fall Garden).

Can river birch grow in shade?

River birch is known for its showy exfoliating bark all four seasons. River birches like sun to full shade and the soil can be highly acidic to alkaline. It will grow in loam, clay or sand and is somewhat drought-tolerant. It will tolerate wet soils, but prefers moist growing conditions.

How messy are river birch trees?

This tree is very messy, with small branches and leaves being a problem all year long. The roots are massive and very dense near the surface, starving peripheral plants of nutrients and water and choking their roots.

Can you keep a river birch small?

Birch trees are fast growing but short lived, by tree standards. Trimming to control size may damage the tree’s health by creating open wounds. Trim just to shape and to keep the tree healthy.

What is river birch good for?

Common Uses: Plywood, boxes, crates, turned objects, interior trim, and other small specialty wood items. Comments: Birch is one of the most widely used woods for veneer and plywood worldwide. Besides regular sheets of plywood, Birch veneer is also used for doors, furniture, and paneling.