Growing the Great Whitespire Birch Tree
The Betula platyphylla, or great Whitespire Birch tree, is a deciduous tree with lovely graceful foliage and interesting bark characteristics. The lifespan of a healthy Whitespire Birch tree can reach 50 years, although many birch tree owners fail to learn enough about growing and caring for their birch tree to optimize its lifespan. The Whitespire Birch tree is named for its white bark color and pyramid shape. Learn from birch tree experts how to grow and care for the great Whitespire Birch tree and enjoy its beauty for decades to come.
Preparing to Grow the Great Whitespire Birch Tree
The Whitespire Birch tree has a shallow growing root system and thus prefers soils that maintain a consistency of cool moistness. One challenge when selecting the appropriate location to grow the Whitespire Birch tree is that it requires consistent shade and coolness for its roots but partial to full sunlight on its leaf canopy in order to thrive. For best results, select a location on the north or east sides of a structure where changing sun patterns will provide afternoon shade during the hottest part of the day. The Whitespire Birch is not picky about soil conditions excepting that soil be cool and moist at all times. It also tolerates environmental toxins and pollution well, making it an excellent choice for urban plantings.
Growing the Great Whitespire Birch Tree
To begin, dig a hole approximately three times the width of the new young root ball and as deep. Work the removed soil to break up clumps and add organic mixture or peat to soil that has a high clay composition. Plant the root ball, water thoroughly, then pack in three inches or more of wood chip or leaf mulch around the root ball, taking care not to allow mulch to touch the trunk. Water often for best results.
