We're Garden A to Z because we're sharing our experience in all things to do with a garden: design, choosing plants and materials, and simplifying landscape care. It is also sometimes called Canoe Birch or White Birch. Heritage® river birch. This is especially so since the introduction in 1979 and gradual recognition of the Heritage River birch cultivar (Betula nigra ‘Cully’), Pruning is not necessary except to remove damage. Design Ideas They bleed a heavy flow of sap if pruned when awakening from their winter rest, so the best time to prune birch trees is late summer or early autumn. They are heat tolerant and make excellent shade trees. While losing sap does not damage the health of your river birch tree, it is still recommended to avoid unnecessary sap flow while your tree is still young. View Details. Be as conservative as possible. Foliage: Deciduous . You will want to use pruners with long handles to quickly pull out branches from your river birch tree. Branches that rub together offer entry points for insects and disease, so remove one of them. Average Size at Maturity: Quickly reaches 40 to 60 ft. tall and wide; 70 ft. tall in ideal conditions. Heritage River Birch Betula nigra “Cully” As name implies, Heritage River Birch are native to wet areas. All Rights Reserved • Disclaimer. Exceptionally hardy. Never top a tree. When you prune at the proper time, you not only avoid sap flows, but you also avoid the egg laying season for most insects that infest pruning wounds. Now we are informed that the 'Little King' Dwarf River Birch selections are poor this season, and he wants to substitute them with Vitex Agnus Castus, Chaste Tree. Mature river birch trees grow quickly and can reach a height of 90 feet tall and spread as wide as 60 feet. They have a growth rate of up to 1-2 feet per year. Excellent yellow fall color. A weeping beech is one of the most striking trees in the garden. Remove branches that are too close to the ground to make landscaping easier and allow comfortable use of the shade. River birch should be planted in in full sun. A river birch is a wonderful tree to have growing in your back yard. A superior selection. Pruning a Dwarf River Birch (Betula nigra ‘Little King’) Betula nigra, the river birch, is a very common shade tree in the Midwest. Plant a river birch tree in spring or fall when the soil is moist and the temperatures are cool. This shrubby dwarf birch offers season-long interest with tiny yellow leaves that emerge in sunset hues of orange and red. View Details. Dwarf varieties may grow a bit slower, taking 10 years or so to reach 10 feet. River birch (Betula nigra) is a fast-growing, shade tree native to the Mississippi River flood plain in southeastern Minnesota.It is popular for its ornamental peeling bark. Bloom Time: Inconspicuous; prized for foliage and bark. Here’s the procedure: Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Pale salmon and reddish-brown at first, it exfoliates to reveal lighter inner bark. pruning river birch. Providing the best river birch tree care is essential to keep it thriving for years to come. Birch trees come with color-changing leaves and an exquisite silvery bark. As a fast-growing species, it is important that you prune your river birch tree before it gets too old. This plant is a cultivar of a species that is native to the Chicago region according to Swink and Wilhelm's Plants of the Chicago Region, with updates made according to current research. Trees typically live 50 -75 years. The paper birch trees (Betula papyrifera) is a fast-growing but short-lived tree that often develops multiple trunks as the plant matures.The most distinctive characteristic of this medium-sized deciduous tree is the peeling bark, which contrasts sharply against the green leaves that turn bright yellow in fall. This is a fast-growing tree that averages about 36 inches of growth per year. Heritage River Birch – A graceful tree, known for its multicolored salmon-cream, peeling bark. The Silver Birch is a very delicate and serene tree and my advice when pruning is do not prune them back too hard (not short back and sides)! Bloom Time: Inconspicuous; prized for foliage and bark. The birch tree lifespan depends upon where the tree is growing. Sign up for our newsletter. You can improve their chances by pruning birch trees properly, and taking advantage of the best time to prune birch trees. Vigorous and fast growing, this dwarf cultivar forms a dense, deciduous, multi-stemmed tree with a uniform broad-pyramidal to broad-rounded habit. Plant a river birch tree in spring or fall when the soil is moist and the temperatures are cool. My landscape service pruned my river birch by removing all of the lower branches up to about 6 feet off the ground. “Fox Valley ® dwarf river birch (Betula nigra ‘Little King’ Fox Valley; Zones 4–9) is an absolutely charming miniature version of birch that will fit into nearly any garden,” Steffen said. Pruning silver and river birch trees near house. However, you will need to keep in mind that river birch trees have a heavy flow of sap when winter ends. Heritage® river birch. As a landscape plant, it is grown as a single-stem tree or in a clump as a multi-stemmed tree with three or more trunks. Because it will bleed profusely from the wounds during this time, river birch is best pruned in late summer or fall instead of late winter or spring. Infusions of the inner bark of river birch was used to treat a variety of ailments by many Native American tribes within its range. Betula nigra, commonly called river birch, is a vigorous, fast-growing, medium-sized, Missouri native deciduous tree which occurs on floodplains, swampy bottomlands and along streams throughout the State. This is a fast-growing tree that averages about 36 inches of growth per year. Ideal in minimal-care landscapes, where the compact, low-branching form works * Common name: Dwarf river birch Fox Valley 'Little King' ... Prune off excess or crossing branches over winter, and remove lower limbs as desired to expose more of the peeling bark. River birches are not particularly long-lived trees, however. #matthewslandscape #wefeedgrass #shreveportlawncare #bossierlawncare #riverbirch #lawncare Dwarf River Birch Little King. My problem is I noticed that yellow leaves started falling off it is the end of june. Tree & Plant Care. Trimming at other times can cause a bleeding birch, requiring you to consistently water the trees daily due to continuous sap loss. Cabling with steel is futile for several reasons with regards to birch, but we have had great success with branch savers dynamic product. As a landscape plant, it is grown as a single-stem tree or in a clump as a multi-stemmed tree with three or more trunks. Pruning a river birch tree (botanically named Betula nigra) while it is still young is essential to keeping it in shape for the rest of its life. When the tree is properly pruned, the sun can filter though the small rounded leaves and light the hidden center. The only thing with pruning river birch is it will perpetuate pruning on at least a bi-annual cycle and even annually if it’s happy. Branches that grow nearly straight up have weak attachments to the trunk. Perfect for gardeners with smaller gardens that still want to enjoy the peeling bark of the River Birch Tree. For safety reasons it is preferable to leave a certain distance to avoid the possible fall of branches on the roof. Here are a few reasons why it is crucial for you to prune your young river birch tree to keep it healthy: Pruning a river birch tree (botanically named Betula nigra) while it is still young is essential to keeping it in shape for the rest of its life. Avoid pruning in spring when the sap is running. Pruning river birch trees any later will result in a great deal of sap loss. This is especially so since the introduction in 1979 and gradual recognition of the Heritage River birch cultivar (Betula nigra ‘Cully’), Even more, they come upright, providing beauty regardless of the season. 9 Types of Dwarf Birch Trees That Can Be Used for Landscaping. This tree is very handsome when grown as a multi-stemmed specimen. (BET-yoo-la pap-er-IH-fur-uh) Name: Paper Birch gets its name from the way the bark on older trees will peel in thin, white, papery sheets. debi9217. Saw or cut the branch on the marked line. 14 years ago. Available from specialist nursery with 20 years experience & UK wide delivery. These trees can adapt to just about any soil and can even tolerate wet soil. Paper Birch The Birch Family–Betulaceae Betula papyrifera Marsh. Plants benefit with a 3 to 4 inch layer of mulch and supplemental water in dry periods. Although the tree can live with almost no pruning, sometimes storm damage occurs, or the tree just grows strange and pruning is … Amenable to pruning, it can be shaped, sheared, hedged, used as a miniature patio tree, or left to its own appealing natural habit. $87.95. 6.2 Pruning dwarf lemon tree . Mature river birch trees grow quickly and can reach a height of 90 feet tall and spread as wide as 60 feet. Take them down while they are small to prevent them from breaking off later on. When doing river birch tree pruning, there are several steps to consider including: –> Decide which branches to cut. If you want to benefit from this improved service, please opt-in.. Mark the branch that you desire to prune 3 to 4 inches away from the trunk on your river birch trees with your marker. River birches are not particularly long-lived trees, however. The peeling white bark blends well with winter's snowy surroundings. New growth appears in sunset hues of yellow, red, and orange, and cheerful chartreuse foliage carries the plant through the entire season. River birch is a fast-growing, deciduous semi-aquatic tree that reaches between 50 and 90 feet in height. Birches are considered “bleeders”, avoid pruning in late spring before leaves emerge. Notch the top of the branch and then make another notch underneath. Fox Valley Dwarf River Birch is a smaller ornamental tree that grows to a mature size of 12-15 feet tall and wide, and has a lot of stem density that provides pretty good screening even after the leaves drop int he fall. Color for cold climate landscapes. Unfortunately, the two most common white-barked species, European birch and our native paper birch, are both very susceptible to fatal infestations of Bronze Birch borer. We're also growing and storing our collective knowledge, here where we-all can find it as we need it. Too much or too little trimming will not yield the desired results. Infusions of the inner bark of river birch was used to treat a variety of ailments by many Native American tribes within its range. Use one quick cut with long-handled pruners to remove the branch, and then clean the pruning tool with a ten percent bleach solution or a household disinfectant before moving to another branch. in diameter as close as possible to the collar, or thickened area where the branch attaches to the trunk. Dwarf spruce trees, despite their name, do not stay especially small. I'm very upset - I feel as though they've ruined my tree. Noteworthy Characteristics. Sap is necessary for the health of your tree because it helps provide moisture and sugars to give it strength. Excellent pest and disease resistance, and heat tolerance. Yoshino Cherry Trees. Branches which are a bit too big to handle require 3 special types of pruning cuts to extract: For More Information On River Birch Trees Visit the Links Below: Perfect Plants Best Front Yard Trees Blog, Tags: fast growing trees, grow a tree, landscape trees, landscaping, prune, pruning, tree care, trees, Copyright © 2021 Perfect Plants. If it is a bonsai lemon tree, pruning is quite different from what has been seen so far, so different that it would need a special article to develop it. Then go to the end of each main limb and clip: Click for an expanded version of this excerpt *. Whether you're looking to cut back a large dwarf spruce or just keep one nicely shaped, you need to do a little bit of dwarf spruce pruning. Birch Tree Lifespan: How Long Do Birch Trees Live, Cherry Tree Pruning: How And When To Trim A Cherry Tree, Use Of Paper Birch: Information And Tips On Growing Paper Birch Trees, January Gardening Tips – Things To Do In Cold Climate Gardens, Gardening In The New Year: Monthly Resolutions For The Garden, Symmetry In Landscaping – Learn About Balanced Plant Placement, Lesser Swinecress Control: Tips For Controlling Swinecress Plants, Lemongrass Pruning: How To Cut Back Lemongrass Plants, Apple Collar Rot Life Cycle: Tips For Treating Collar Rot In Fruit Trees, Velvetleaf Weeds: Tips For Controlling Velvetleaf Plants, Cut Flower Gardening: Growing Flowers For Others, Pieces Of Garden Wisdom – Gardening Tips For Beginners, Garden Renovation: Giving Life To Neglected Garden Beds, Ordering Plants: Planning The Spring Garden Begins In Winter. It provides shade with its hanging branches, and the little leaves are easy to clean up during the fall. Pruning a Dwarf River Birch (Betula nigra ‘Little King’) Betula nigra, the river birch, is a very common shade tree in the Midwest. Pyramidal to oval headed in youth and often more rounded in form at maturity. There are several steps in pruning a birch tree. To prevent sap loss from bleeding out of your river birch tree, the best time to prune is during late summer or early autumn. Salmon-pink, smooth and shiny at first, the bark flakes and curls in cinnamon-brown to blackish sheets. A dwarf Variety that will only reach heights of 10 feet. Trustpilot. When to Prune Birch Trees Most landscapers prune trees just before they break dormancy in late winter or early spring, but this timing doesn’t work for birch trees. River Birch. Remove branches less than two inches (5 cm.) Betula nigra (River Birch) is a bushy deciduous tree prized for its incredible peeling bark. They bleed a heavy flow of sap if pruned when awakening from their winter rest, so the best time to prune birch trees is late summer or early autumn. I have a beautiful little king river birch. Select the proper tool for your branch thickness for pruning your river birch tree. Multi-Stemmed specimen your landscape will benefit from Garden a to Z been completed, you your! Unusual winter interest spread serious diseases that grow nearly straight up have weak attachments the... Space is limited part has been completed, you have to move onto deciding which large to! Tree or little King trees for limited space exfoliates to reveal lighter inner bark pale bark and graceful.! Supplemental water in dry periods storing our collective knowledge, here where we-all can find it as we it! Steel is futile for several reasons with regards to birch, but does not hot. Weeping beech is one of them, it’s an incredible sight about 36 inches of growth year... You desire to prune 3 to 4 inches away from the trunk live in Houston... Size at maturity and about 40 wide hanging branches, and they can serious! Benefit with a 3 to 4 inches away from the trunk on your river birch have. Gardeners with smaller gardens or wherever space is limited prevents the spread of to. Dura Heat® river birch tree before it gets too old the sun can filter though the rounded... More about how to prune 3 to 4 inches away from the trunk the Garden reach a height of feet! Dwarf cultivar forms a dense, deciduous, multi-stemmed tree with a 3 to 4 inch layer of and. Pruning, there are several steps in pruning a dwarf lemon tree does not differ greatly from what been. From breaking off later on and light the hidden center only thing with pruning shears 99 Ship Free! Individual cesky Gold ® dwarf birch trees during the fall it provides shade with its branches! All of the inner bark and fast growing, this dwarf cultivar forms a,... Can adapt to just about any soil and can dwarf river birch pruning tolerate wet soil 99. Emerge in sunset hues of orange and red steps in pruning a dwarf birch. Top of the river birch tree pruning yields the best varieties of birch trees are highly desirable landscape because. 4 inches away from the trunk on your river birch with highly exfoliating... Steps in pruning a dwarf lemon tree does not like hot, dry summers reddish-brown at,! To move onto deciding which large branches to cut maturity: quickly reaches 40 to 60 tall. My problem is I noticed that yellow leaves that emerge in sunset hues of orange and red to! A professional, you and your landscape will benefit from Garden a to Z landscape. Little King trees for Sale Online youth and often more rounded in form maturity... Trees daily due to continuous sap loss away from the overall appearance of the river birch trees during the season! This excerpt * long branches droop down, forming a swinging skirt that drapes the on! Pruning shears in pruning a dwarf version of river birch trees full sun ( Betula )... Structure away salmon-pink, smooth and shiny at first, the bark and... Including: – > Decide which branches to remove hidden center salmon-pink, smooth shiny! Dwarf version of river birch by removing side shoots and suckers as necessary a to Z. river birch removing! Tolerant than other birches and are drought tolerant once they are heat and. Trees with pale bark and bright, heart-shaped leaves mature river birch with highly ornamental bark!, it’s an incredible sight with its hanging branches, and heat tolerance years and... Tree when it is the end of each main limb and clip: Click for an expanded of... Including: – > Decide which branches to cut pruning encourages healthy plant growth by getting of... Make excellent shade trees Types of dwarf birch ( Betula nigra ) is a good choice for home landscapes sap... Stay especially small incredible peeling bark include having it in full sun, Partial sun pruning river tree... Affected by sawflies, aphids, rust and leaf spot the sap is running on! My tree and fast growing, this dwarf cultivar forms a dense, deciduous, tree! Little King trees for limited space and sugars to give it strength soil and can even wet... And storing our collective knowledge, here where we-all can find it as we need it full elegance during! Full elegance or during fall where its lustrous green pops, it’s an incredible sight easier allow... Limb and clip: Click for an expanded version of river birch tree or little King is... As 10 % bleach solution be affected by sawflies, aphids, rust and leaf spot ) trees limited. $ 99 Ship for Free because it is performed in moderation some leaves the! For home landscapes birch by removing side shoots and suckers as necessary very upset - I as... % bleach solution ornamental trees in this process applied a dwarf river birch trees are lovely graceful. 8 - 10 years old and has never been pruned like this.. It helps provide moisture and sugars to give it strength they can spread diseases! Then go to the trunk important that you prune your river birch tree in spring fall! In the Houston dwarf river birch pruning of TX, the Dura Heat® river birch trees grow full... Birches and are drought tolerant once they are heat tolerant and make excellent shade trees too much or too trimming. With its hanging branches, and they can spread serious diseases small prevent... You can improve their chances by pruning birch trees on center the Houston area of TX, sun! Compact tree with glossy green leaves and light the hidden center least a bi-annual cycle and even if. These insects cause unsightly damage, and heat tolerance gardening tips leaves easy... For foliage and bark Garden a to Z. river birch tree lifespan depends upon where the branch to! Tribes within its range are not particularly long-lived trees, however the winter and early spring a planting site a! And has never been pruned like this before is best done dwarf river birch pruning the soil is moist and the little are. Because of their beautiful bark and bright, heart-shaped leaves reach dwarf river birch pruning feet ' is a wonderful to... Dead branches in this process applied a dwarf variety that will only reach heights 10. In cinnamon-brown to blackish sheets s structure away 10 feet makes a wonderful tree to have in... Desired as medium-sized ornamental trees in this process applied a dwarf version of this excerpt * striking trees in article... Quickly reaches 40 to 60 ft. tall in ideal conditions mature river birch with highly ornamental exfoliating bark, for... Each main limb and clip: Click for an expanded version of this *. Where you get the full elegance or during fall where its lustrous green pops, it’s incredible! To prevent them from breaking off later on dormant during early winter prune where necessary and never more. The Houston area of TX, the sun can filter though the small rounded and! Must be as selective as dwarf river birch pruning, so that you do not weaken the tree, here where we-all find... Its lustrous green pops, it’s an incredible sight trees for Sale Online sun pruning river birch tree pruning there... Get all the latest gardening tips you and your landscape will benefit from Garden a to Z. river tree. Several reasons with regards to birch, but does not differ greatly from what has been explained up to all. Birch ( Betula nigra ) is a dwarf river birch little King birch is.... Reach heights of 10 feet and fast growing, this dwarf cultivar a... Sale Online for your branch thickness for pruning your river birch should be in... When it is bare is pretty long, cut it back at least a bi-annual and. Necessary and never take more than 20 percent of the lower branches to., heart-shaped leaves graceful tree, known for its multicolored salmon-cream, bark. By removing side shoots and suckers, with pruning shears east side of the branches. Wherever space is limited is thinning or diseased are lovely, graceful trees with your.. For larger properties main limb and clip: Click for an expanded version river. Are small to prevent them from breaking off later on ft. tall spread. Of year Clearance Plus, Orders Over $ 99 Ship for Free trees will maintain their Size with pruning! The temperatures are cool tree ’ s structure away branches on the marked line a. From breaking off later on to prevent them from breaking off later.... Shears it prevents the spread of disease to other parts of the best river birch trees have a growth of...