How to Landscape With River Birch

Survey the landscape to select a suitable location for planting your river birch. Find a location in the landscape that is shaded from hot afternoon sun that will dry out the soil. River birch are not tolerant of dry soils.

Locate a planting spot for your river birch in the landscape with well drained soil. Choose a site with no overhead utility wires and is well away from structures and plantings that will not perform well in shade. River birch trees make good shade trees due to their dense foliage.

Plant river birch trees away from hard surfaces, such as concrete or asphalt, as the heat will dry out the soil. Avoid high traffic areas where the soil around the birch will become compacted. River birch trees have shallow roots that will become damaged.

Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball. Place the birch tree in the hole with the top of the root ball even with the surrounding ground. Water the root ball and fill the hole with the removed dirt. Tamp the ground firmly to support the birch upright.

Monitor the growth of your river birch. Provide the tree with water, during times of drought, by hand-watering or with a garden hose.