While this is usually not a problem for the tree, it can be disconcerting for the owner when sap drips on outdoor furniture, walkways and people. Its attractive bark is especially striking in the winter when the rest of the tree is bare. It is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture **plant hardiness zones 4 through 9a**. Prune white birch trees by pruning at the right time, choosing the proper branches to prune and cutting carefully. This picture from our front yard, shows a cluster of River Birch trees in the background. A: River birch tree sap is known to cause babies to be born naked and to make your hair turn gray when you’re old. Other than that, the sap that is dripping from the cut branches is harmless. These trees have their own charms, however. I have 6 river birches in my back yard ranging from 7 to about 10ft. The time to make a long lasting effect on the form and structure of the plant is when the tree is young. Genus Betula can be deciduous trees or shrubs, usually colouring well in autumn and often with striking white, pink, or peeling brown bark; separate male and female catkins open before or with the leaves in spring . When it comes to silver birch trees, these are best pruned between the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. With a mature height upwards of 60 feet and a rapid growth rate this shade tree is a great option for large homes. The lower branches are too low to walk under. The tree requires an acid soil, otherwise it becomes chlorotic. The best time to trim River Birch is in the late summer - fall. Two of the most common birch tree species in the Northeast are the River Birch and White Birch. European white birch is a fast-growing, graceful tree with creamy white bark that peels to reveal darker skin beneath. It is important to know from where in nature your tree's relatives come. They "bleed" sap quite freely when cut in the spring. Paper birch starts life with a brown trunk that whitens as it ages. They can also grow to over 50 feet tall and like most trees they need TLC. Neither tree requires regular pruning. Unlike the white-barked birches, river birch’s tolerance of bronze birch borer, birch leaf miner, and drought and heat are part of why it has become the birch of choice for landscaping around the country, and the only choice for the south. Avoid early spring pruning while the tree's sap is running. Keep reading to learn more river birch tree facts, such as river birch tree care and effectively using river birch trees … Birch trees are good-looking plants and great supporters of wildlife. Cutting back river birch tree to trunks birch pruning winter care and fertilizing hawks landscape inc birch pruning winter care and fertilizing hawks landscape inc dwarf river birch betula nigra little king pruning river birch home garden information center tree care spring pruning tips cm s outdoor solutions group. Family Betulaceae . When and how should I fertilize it? Birch trees experience the same pressure build up in their roots when exposed to the same temperatures as Maples, thus, when cut in late winter, they too will “bleed” heavy amounts of sap. I've done quite a bit of research and found that river birch "bleed" when pruned in the late winter/early spring, so it is suggested that pruning be done in late spring/early summer. When pruning birches including dwarf river birches, it is best to avoid Spring and Fall pruning when the sap is flowing as this will stain the branches and trunks by “bleeding” sap. River birch is a medium to tall tree, growing 60-80 feet at maturity and about 40 wide. Some have brances from the ground up, two of which have the smaller trees with them. The limbs are so long, they are nearly touching the ground. A: You can prune any time after the leaves fall and before next February. River Birch trees are known for their graceful drooping limbs, foliage, and beautiful peeling bark. If you wait until later, the cuts will needlessly bleed copious amounts of sap. Leave at least 75 percent of the tree intact when pruning. Spring or early summer pruning helps with that, at least from what I’ve observed here. Birch trees should be pruned during the dormant months of late winter to early spring. Pruning a River Birch Tree . River Birch- Pruning. My birches have borers and there is nothing I can do to save the tree. This tree is about 8 - 10 years old and has never been pruned like this before. I have 3 clumps of 3 river birch trees. A landscaper (16 years ago) suggested these (and I didn't argue since I love the bark and look) and planted them about 10 feet from our screened porch and patio on a small hillside. River Birch- Pruning. The lovely birch -- except for one tough native, the black or river birch, all birch are swamp trees. pruning river birch. That said, planting a birch on the dry prairies is not a practical thing to do. Maple and birch trees are famous for the copious amounts of sap they bleed after being pruned in late winter. When to Prune. River birches are fast growing shade trees and they can easily grow 2 to 3 feet per year. Is it safe to have the trees trimmed during the late summer or fall. River birch tolerates low soil oxygen, flooding, and clay soil, but needs moist conditions. Established trees do not require regular pruning. So, remember to prune Birch the same time as you prune Maples, in June and July. Advertisement. If you really want one, plant it, water it and water it again, don't stop watering, ever. This shade tree has highly symmetrical branching and upright pyramidal to upright oval form. A fast-growing shade tree, river birch (_Betula nigra_) is the most widely adapted of the birch trees. River birch is hardy, grows rapidly, but tends to be short-lived (30 to 40 years) in many urban settings, possibly due to inadequate water supply. They love it where they are, but in the last few years they have become HUGE. Pruning silver and river birch trees near house. Some of the information I read mentioned that River Birches will bleed sap profusely if they're cut at the wrong time, seems to me that Spring is the time to avoid pruning. Hi Heather-The sap moves freely in the birch tree during the winter and early spring. Height 20m (65ft). The benefits of birches outweigh the slight deficiencies mentioned above. Be sure you have plenty of space for this tree as they can spread to 40 feet across. The trunk typically grows about 2 feet in diameter but occasionally will be much wider. Trees typically live 50 -75 years. The following are some useful tips on how to prune a birch tree. The same rules apply to Birches for developmental pruning as they do to Maples. To avoid this, only prune birches when they are in a non-growing dormant phase. The birch tree is popular among homeowners due to its beautiful bark, modest size and graceful branches. For safety reasons it is preferable to leave a certain distance to avoid the possible fall of branches on the roof. Pruning is best carried out in late spring, summer, or fall to avoid any heavy sap from flowing from cuts. River birch is best pruned after August 1. They provide great shade, but the clean-up of the debris they produce is not worth it. I have tons of natural clump birches that were not planted and they are more resistant to borers. Pruning birch trees limits insect infestations and promotes longer life. River Birch Tree Facts. The river birch, ideal for planting in damp soil, a fast-growing tree with shaggy light brown to creamy bark, heavily peeling in layers when young. The bog birch is short and shrubby and grows in wetlands. Birch Tree Benefits. I would not fertilize them. In addition, summer pruning is discouraged due to birch borer and other pests. Branches that rub together should be removed. My landscape service pruned my river birch by removing all of the lower branches up to about 6 feet off the ground. debi9217. The river birch tree often is used for landscaping due to its graceful drooping limbs and attractive color. The river birch is a popular tree for river banks and wet parts of the garden. Pruning cuts at this time will ooz sap from the cuts, but this will not harm the tree. Always wear eye protection and follow safety guidelines to prevent injury while pruning the trees. There are several tools available for pruning a birch tree, you will have to choose between one or the other depending on several factors, the most important is the age (height) of the birch.