The weeping birch is a common tree species in Europe and can be found growing wild in various locations. In this article, we will show you how you can plant this low-maintenance tree yourself.
The weeping birch is a native, deciduous deciduous tree species. It grows relatively quickly and reaches a height of 18 to 30 meters. At the same time, it lives about 90 to 120 years. The crown is arched and consists of loosely hanging branches. The weeping birch is considered to be an undemanding and low-maintenance tree and can therefore be found in locations where other tree species cannot thrive. Wild weeping birches are particularly common in heath landscapes, moorland areas or forest clearings.
The birch is also popular as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks. In the wood industry, the robust birch wood is used for various furniture, for example tables, chests of drawers or children’s toys. The hanging birch also provides a home for many insects. For example, various species of beetles and butterflies use it as a habitat. It is therefore ideal for an insect-friendly garden.
Weeping birch: planting tips
If you want to plant a weeping birch in your own garden, you should follow these tips:
- As mentioned, you don’t have to worry too much about the location and soil. Both moist and dry soil are no problem for the birch. Even acidic and nutrient-poor soils do not hinder its growth. Just make sure to plant the birch in a slightly sunny spot, where it will not be disturbed by other trees.
- As long as there is no frost, you can plant weeping birch all year round. However, autumn is best.
- Nurseries offer young birches in root balls or in containers. In either case, you should first dig a hole about twice the size of the root ball before planting.
- Then place the young tree in the ground. It should not be much deeper in the ground than it was in the container or root ball. After you have planted the birch, fill in the soil and tamp it down lightly.
How to care for a weeping birch tree
Also for the care of a weeping birch you do not need much time and effort. It is enough to follow the advice below:
- In general, less is more. Weeping birches usually do well on their own. Too much or improper care can do the tree more harm than good.
- Watering is usually unnecessary. Moderately dry soil will not harm the birch. Only in long periods of drought should you water the soil around the tree additionally.
- Pruning is also only necessary in emergencies, for example, when the birch tree crowds out other plants. However, be careful not to prune the tree between February and May. In this period, the weeping birch would quickly begin to “bleed”. That is, they then lose a lot of water and may even die. Therefore, it is best to prune birch trees in late summer or winter.
- Thanks to its bark, the weeping birch can withstand cold temperatures and does not need additional frost protection.
- Transplanting the birch species is somewhat more difficult. As a rule, it works only with young trees. If you want to transplant a weeping birch, it is best to start when the leaf buds have just opened a little. Then dig up the tree with as large a ball of soil as possible and place it back in the ground in the desired location.
