Royal Frost Birch Problems

Parent Species

• Royal Frost birch demonstrates both positive and negative aspects its parent trees and their lineages used to create this ornamental hybrid tree. Parents Betula platyphylla and Betula populifolia, gave the birch its upright, white trunk, but no resistance to bronze birch borer. Parent Betula pendula is not resistant to the birch borer, but provided the purplish foliage. It also introduced genes for a shorter lifespan and an inclination to prosper in cooler summer regions.

Planting Site

• While parent trees demonstrated a tolerance to wet soil conditions, Royal Frost is best planted in well-drained ground that is evenly and constantly moist. It may be planted in sand, loam or clay soils with acidic to slightly alkaline pH, but grows far better in soil that is light and crumbly in texture and enriched with organic matter. For the best foliage color, it is best to plant the burch in full to partial sun, otherwise the purplish-burgundy hues fade to purplish-green. Mulch and shade the soil to keep it cool, especially in full sun settings or in hotter summer regions.

Insect Threats

• This birch is not resistant to the bronze birch borer. Healthy-growing trees are less likely to be affected by the birch borer pest, as well as other common birch tree pests such as leaf miners, aphids, skeletonizers, leafhoppers and caterpillars. Gypsy moth larvae are also problematic. Soggy soil and drought diminish the tree's vitality, making it more susceptible to greater physical damage from these insects.

Diseases

• Among the most serious diseases to harm Royal Frost are fungi. Various fungal species proliferate in wet soils or during overly humid, wet growing seasons from spring to fall, causing cankers and twig dieback. Leaf spot, anthracnose, rust and viruses also manifest in weakened, stressed birch trees. Cuts and wounds on the trunk and roots readily lead to wood rot when soil remains overly wet or shade prevents quick drying and callusing of wounds.