Talk of The Villages Florida - View Single Post - River Birch Tree
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Old 08-23-2021, 06:36 AM
Donegalkid Donegalkid is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Boomer View Post
— not in the yard in TV, but in the northern yard. . .

River birches need a lot of water. In long periods without rain, up north, in summer, I lay the hose around the base of the tree and let it slowly water.

When river birches go too long without water, their leaves will begin to turn yellow and drop — and they do not care what season it is if they need to do that.

They also drop a lot of sticks and twigs in wind.

Some river birches I have seen in my northern neighborhood have been planted too close to the house. What starts out as a lovely little landscape tree can quickly outgrow a tight spot.

I have been willing to take care of our northern river birch, in spite of its quirks. It is so pretty that I can forgive it, even though it causes extra work. But I don’t think I would want a river birch in Florida. You might want to look into it further before you decide.

Boomer
Many good points — I agree. I’m well familiar with them. Great trees in proper application. Two additions: they are RAPID growers. And, if you do get one, I’d suggest a single trunk version, not a tree with several trunks. A River Birch with several trunks will grow to cover an enormous area in a small lot. Single trunks will grow upright. They are beautiful trees. There are several planted along the walkway of the Smithsonian in DC for lovely affect.