Popular Birch with Distinctive Bark

The Paper Birch is a quintessential landscape addition! Native to North America, this popular tree is known for its distinctive papery thin white bark. The layers peel away in sheets, revealing a striking copper-colored inner layer. The oval-shaped leaves emerge bright green in the spring and remain that way until fall, when they turn shades of vibrant yellow, putting on a show of colorful foliage.

The Paper Birch is one of the fastest growing deciduous trees available, increasing by 2-3’ per year and reaching mature heights of 50-70’. Robust, cold-hardy and deer-resistant, the Paper Birch is known for its longevity and easy maintenance.

Also known as the “Canoe Birch,” the sturdy, lightweight bark of this tree has proved useful for generations, helping to craft canoes and serving as writing paper. It thrives in areas with cooler, more moderate temperatures and grows well in moist, well-drained soil. Paper Birch is often found in forests, meadows, and riverbanks, and will flourish when added as an ornamental specimen in a yard, garden, or as a lawn tree. Order yours today!

Planting & Care

1. Planting: Choose a location for your Paper Birch with full sun to partial shade (meaning the location receives at least 4 to 8 hours of sunlight each day). Also, the planting area’s soil should be somewhat moist though still well-drained.

When you’re ready to plant, start by digging a hole that’s at least two to three times the size of your tree’s root ball. After placing your White Birch Tree, back fill the soil, tamp down to ensure air pockets are eliminated, and water.

2. Watering: Because the Paper Birch needs consistently moist soil, it’s important to water weekly or consider using a soaker hose or bark mulch. The root zone for your tree should be cool and moist, but it does tolerate some dryness in the soil.

3. Pruning: The Paper Birch needs very little pruning, but if pruning is necessary for your landscape, prune it during the dormant season

4. Fertilizing: Feed in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support healthy growth. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it can encourage weak growth. A layer of compost around the base each year can also improve soil quality and provide nutrients.

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