Planting a Birch Tree

River birch tree

The river birch has a multicolored, exfoliating bark.

Generally, birches are medium-sized trees that grow between 40 and 50 feet high. There are many varieties of birches, from slender single-stem varieties to clumping varieties.

The location you choose to plant your tree will affect its growth. You want a site that gets full sun to part shade; a partly wooded area is perfect. Well-drained soil is a must, with a north-facing slope if possible. The canopy of the tree loves the sun, but the roots like to be shaded. You can shade the roots with a thick layer of mulch.

Saucer-shaped hole

Fall or spring is the best time to plant a tree. Dig a saucer-shaped hole that is three times as wide as the root ball. (Always check for underground wires before you dig. And make sure you place the tree at least 20 feet from your house.) To make digging easier, it's a good idea to water your lawn a day or two before to loosen the soil.

It's important to spread out the roots. You don't want the roots circling around the container either; that means the tree has been in the container too long, and they could strangle the tree.

Once the tangled roots are cut, put the tree in the hole. Carefully pull away some topsoil from the root ball. What you're looking for is the first major horizontal root flare. It needs to be buried just below the soil surface. Now just fill in around the sides of the tree about halfway.

There's no need to fertilize. Just water it well and let it settle. Continue to fill in the hole, then water some more. After it settles, be sure to add a thick layer of mulch, about 2 to 3 inches, around the top. Keep your birch well watered. You can leave trunk protectors on through the winter.