European Birch Tree Growth Habits

Size

• The European birch tree, also referred to as European white birch and weeping birch, grows to a full height of about 50 feet. The tree has a slender, pyramidal form with a crown of drooping, weeping branches. The trunk is 1 foot in diameter and covered with white, papery, flaky bark that peels in long strips when dry. European birch tree has a rapid growth rate. Birches are short-lived trees, rarely living longer than 80 years.

Foliage and Flowers

• The saw-toothed foliage of the European birch tree is light green and triangular shaped, assuming shades of yellow in fall. The male and female flowers grow in the form of catkins on the same tree. The male catkins are a little longer in size and drooping in form as compared to the smaller female catkins.

Cultural Requirements

• Plant the European birch in areas of full to partial sun in the landscape. The tree grows well in a variety of well-drained soils including sand, loam and clay. European birch has a moderate level of tolerance for drought and salinity. Fertilize the tree regularly when growing in dry weather and apply mulch around the root zone. The tree is not among the low-maintenance landscape trees.

Pests and Diseases

• The tree is susceptible to a number of canker-causing fungi that create sunken areas on trunk and large branches. It is best to take preventive measures as there is no chemical control once the tree is infected. Keep the tree in good health and avoid creating wounds on bark that can become entry sites for fungi. Keep trees well-watered to avoid drought stress. The birch leaf miner is among the likely pests on the tree. The leaf-feeding insects eat out the centers of foliage leading to browning and falling leaves.