How can you tell a silver birch?
How to identify. Birches are easily recognised by their white, papery bark. The Silver birch has ‘drooping’ branches and triangular leaves, with jagged teeth that grow from hairless leaf stalks. The leaves of the similar Downy Birch grow from hairy stalks and more rounded; it also has more upright branches.
What is special about silver birch trees?
The silver birch is a hardy tree, a pioneer species, and one of the first trees to appear on bare or fire-swept land. Many species of birds and animals are found in birch woodland, the tree supports a wide range of insects and the light shade it casts allows shrubby and other plants to grow beneath its canopy.
How quickly does a silver birch grow?
Birch trees grow quickly reaching 8m tall with a 3m spread in 10 years, 18m x 4m in 20 years and 25m x 10m ultimately. Mature trees form a narrow, conical shape with arching branches and hanging twigs. Birches are very hardy and tolerant of exposure.
How far apart should silver birch be planted?
3ft
Birches are attractive as single specimens or in small groups. If space permits, plant a number of different species with differing bark colours and textures to provide contrast. Alternatively, plant several species closely at a spacing of 90cm (3ft).
Do silver birch tree roots cause problems?
Do Silver Birch Tree Roots Cause Problems? Yes! Silver birch trees grow vigorously and have the potential for damaging structures in their vicinity – a common issue is with residential foundations. This can be more severe when the silver birch is growing in clay soil.
What is the life expectancy of a silver birch tree?
between 60 and 90 years old
Silver birch is the faster growing of the two, and also the taller, reaching a height of up to 30 metres, whereas downy birch seldom exceeds 21 metres. As pioneer species, they are short-lived, with typical lifespans being between 60 and 90 years old, although some individuals can live up to 150 years.
Are birch trees messy?
The branches are not brittle, so are not prone to wind or ice damage. Twig and branch die-back is not uncommon and these dead parts tend to be messy as they shed readily. The branches of river birch are smooth with many lenticels (L), but the trunk and older branches are scaly or peeling (C and R), with variable color.
How close can a birch tree be planted to a house?
Planting a birch tree at least 20 feet from your home can be sufficient for some varieties, but if you are still worried, you can plant them even further from your home. If tree roots invade your home, it is likely they are in search of water or nutrients.
Do silver birch have invasive roots?
The silver birch is a shallow-rooted tree with root systems that have been known to spread up to 10 metres. Although silver birch roots are not considered to be aggressive, they have been known to cause significant damage to lawns, patios, and other structures.
What is the lifespan of a silver birch tree?
Are silver birch roots damaging to houses?
Yes! Silver birch trees grow vigorously and have the potential for damaging structures in their vicinity – a common issue is with residential foundations. This can be more severe when the silver birch is growing in clay soil.