If you have not cut diseased branches or attacked by pests, you can use them in your garden (for example, compost), otherwise, try to remove those wastes from the garden to avoid spreading diseases or pests to other plants. This is especially so since the introduction in 1979 and gradual recognition of the Heritage River birch cultivar (Betula nigra ‘Cully’), which culminated in it winning the 2002 Urban Tree of the Year award as determined by responses to an annual survey in arborist magazine City Trees. They bleed a heavy flow of sap if pruned when awakening from their winter rest, so the best time to prune birch trees is late summer or early autumn. Here’s the procedure: The Undercut – From the trunk of the tree, measure 18 inches (46 cm.) In birch tree there is five types of pruning that can be carried out. To thin out branches that are rubbing or growing too close together. So here we are, I hope that everything was clear about how and when to prune birch tree, and do not have any doubt at the moment that you should take your scissors and trim. Removing the top from a birch will result in an ugly tree. Minimise disease spread by pruning in dry weather, bagging up material and disposing. When a storm has spoiled the plant leaving a large number of upper branches with danger of falling. It is a leafy deciduous that sprouts in March (northern hemisphere), blooms in the month of April, also a time of pollination. Topping has serious implications re branch structure/strength and overall tree health. To prevent bleeding, you can prune a birch after their leaves are fully expanded in late spring or early summer. It won’t limit growth in the next season. In this case, we will use this section to provide information on the pruning of a high-height birch tree. In trees where this is the case, gardeners should avoid pruning into this area because doing so will result in a lopsided tree. When you prune at the proper time, you not only avoid sap flows, but you also avoid the egg laying season for most insects that infest pruning wounds. Pruning birch formation, made in the first three years after planting, are indispensable. It lets in light and reduces the tree's vulnerability to wind damage … Once you finish reading the article it will be necessary to analyze all the information and apply what you have learned in the best way. Do not apply wound sealant even if the branches "weep" from the cut area, as is usually the case with birches. Remove dead, diseased and injured branches for the health of the tree. Unlike a thinning cut, a drop-crotching cut does not cut back to a natural boundary, this means that decay can spread quickly inside cut branches, for this reason it is best not to perform crown reduction if at all possible. Removing more than twenty-five percent of the canopy of a tree at one time weakens it and may be fatal. We can summarize these reasons in the following: You may also be interested in knowing about pruning: Keep in mind that in the winter months, the birch can lose sap from pruning wounds, so it is preferable to delay it until after buds sprout. Genus Betula can be deciduous trees or shrubs, usually colouring well in autumn and often with striking white, pink, or peeling brown bark; separate male and female catkins open before or with the leaves in spring Details B. pendula is an elegant medium-sized deciduous tree with slender drooping twigs. Larger branches are taken down with three cuts. Try never to prune more than 20 percent of birch tree branches. Reducing canopy size stresses the tree because of the cuts required. Never top a tree. Remove branches less than two inches (5 cm.) Do not begin trimming if the birch trees have started growing leaves. Most trees of this age have had the feathers removed up to a height of 1.5m - 1.8m and are called standards. These insects cause unsightly damage, and they can spread serious diseases. Be as conservative as possible. An appreciation of the processes involved in the growth of tree will help us to understand the principles behind pruning. in diameter as close as possible to the collar, or thickened area where the branch attaches to the trunk. Here, larger braches of the top of a tree are removed to reduce a tree’s height. How to Make a Tree Stop Growing Upward. Prune A River Birch Tree. Unfortunately, they aren’t known for their long lifespan. You can remove any branch that detracts from the overall appearance of the tree. As you can see the pruning of a tree of these characteristics requires knowledge and tools that not everyone has, and since it is a risky task from here we recommend that you hire a professional for pruning like this. Trees planted in the spring are cut 2 to 3 feet above the ground and side branches pruned back to two buds. Therefore, There is no doubt that the shade that a birch plant can give is excellent, a shadow that you cannot take advantage of if its surroundings are full of low branches. Going against the tree’s natural habit produces ungainly trees that lack grace. Coppicing and Pollarding. How to prune your silver birch tree. There are some exceptions, however, as some species such as Birch, Walnut and Maples, will ‘bleed’ sap and risk losing valuable sugars in the process if pruned in early spring, therefore the pruning of these trees should be carried out when this risk is low i.e. Something similar happens with diseased branches since you should not wait for an adequate time to cut them, but it is preferable to prune them just the detected ones to avoid a greater spread of the pest or disease. Branches that rub together offer entry points for insects and disease, so remove one of them. At that time it is convenient to carry out a conditioning by pruning of formation and elimination of branches, mainly, and cutting of the radical system. You can improve their chances by pruning birch trees properly, and taking advantage of the best time to prune birch trees. © Copyright, HowandWhentoPrune.com • Contact • Legal, privacy and cookies, 2. On multiple occasions such as: In case of carrying out a pruning like this, do not forget to place healing paste in the pruning cuts, since you will surely have cut branches of significant thickness. Pruning – why, how and when How a tree works Before we discuss pruning, we need to consider what a tree is and how it works. The river birch tree is known for its beautiful peeling bark that is generally cinnamon in color. Exposure – full sun Care – no care Foliage – deciduous. With this pruning known as the rising crown, what we will do will be to eliminate all the annoying lower branches, this will not only benefit the best use of the shadow, but also redirect the energy towards the upper branches, producing an rising crown. It is not a very recommended pruning since it impacts negatively on the health of the plant. Regardless of which birch varidead is concerned there are some reasons why pruning is necessary. Pruning an established Silver Birch or any of the Betula group of trees is going to cause some damage, and should be carried out when the tree is dormant in winter, and only if absolutely necessary. In this pruning, what is sought is to reduce the height of an adult birch, cutting large branches from the top. Remove a branch that is too close to another branch. There are several reasons for cutting back birch trees: Most landscapers prune trees just before they break dormancy in late winter or early spring, but this timing doesn’t work for birch trees. General pruning practice for young silver birch is to cut only the live branches less than 1 inch in diameter. The best time to prune most trees is late autumn and winter. This is best done when the tree is young. Therefore, we will begin by briefly seeing the most important care you should take to this tree. Sometimes keeping a tree at its present height is necessary. Once the pruning is finished, you should study what to do with the waste. summer or mid winter. 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Birch tree borers are tree killers, and you should reduce the risk of attack by cutting after their early summer flying season whenever possible. There will inevitably be a lot of haphazard regrowth around the top. They have a growth rate of up to 1-2 feet per year. • If you find branches attacked by a pest or disease, it is time to cut it. Pruning Birch Tree Leaves. Trees exceeding in height may require professional pruning. The first is that which needs to be carried out from the plantation and during the first years in search of a correct formation of the structure, the other pruning will be necessary during adulthood. The planting, pruning and care ensure the proper development of your birch. Birch trees should be trained to grow with a center leader and should be pruned to maintain optimal health and a strong structure; remove lower hanging branches that interfere with walkways or driveways. Pruning to reduce tree height is possible, but it’s always going to be an uphill battle (literally). W hen thus cleverly pruned, the end result is a tree that has the same basic profile, is still elegant, but is both lighter and shorter. What tools to use for cutting back Birch tree, Trimming A Large Silver Birch (https://youtu.be/R4qhlyBd2jU), Every dead or sick element in the birches interferes with its nominal growth, occupying space and resources. At that age the seedling will be 70 to 100 cm high and a good radical system. When pruning out disease, clean you pruning tools with disinfectant between cuts. Carry out the previous care on a regular basis and you will be saving good money on tools. A much better way to let light into the base of birches is to remove lower horizontal branches. Note: Please note that the advice given here is general, this blog is consulted from many countries in the world, with totally different characteristics, what not all tips will be adapted in the same way in all cases. It allows for easy removal of … Trim back broken or diseased branches by making the cut at a lateral branch at least 6 inches above the damaged area. The plant must be at a vegetative rest, without leaves. The plants will not grow back to cover up the hole. Topping a tree is pruning it for height - shade trees are meant to grow tall. As we said, the formation pruning the birch trees are necessary from the plantation, therefore we can conclude that the formation and planting prunings come hand in hand. To remove branches that are too close the ground. As I always say, before you start trimming, take some time to analyze the plant carefully, then you should eliminate the following: • Cut any branch that is growing in a direction that does not go hand in hand with the development you want to give your birch. Birches located on public roads that disturb the power line. Birch trees are highly desirable landscape trees because of their beautiful bark and graceful foliage. It's also known as the white birch because of its light-coloured bark, which is its most characteristic feature. Although the central theme of this article is clear that how to prune a birch, we can not fail to notice that pruning is nothing other than a care or maintenance technique. Try to keep the height of the trees to the limit where the branches can be easily reached and pruned. The ideal planting season is between November and March (northern hemisphere). Remove branches that are too close to the ground to make landscaping easier and allow comfortable use of the shade. Also, it is essential to clear up damaged leaves and branches. The absolute best way to handle this issue is to avoid it altogether by planting the right tree in the right place. The trees are slender and can grow as tall as 15 m (50 feet). The recommended age for planting is known as two sap (the first in nursery and the second already transplanted). This pruning that we titled as de thinning is the one we carry out when the crown of birch tree is very dense. Eliminating these low branches will. When to Prune Trees. The birch is a tree that can exceed 20 m in height and its normal diameter reaches 50 cm or more. Very dense crowns have the problem that they do not let in the amount of light necessary for proper development. For these smaller trees a long-handled hedge trimmer is a labour-saving option. Cut... Tidying Up – The 18- … Take them down while they are small to prevent them from breaking off later on. out from the undercut and cut the branch from the top downward. It is also necessary to eliminate the thickest branches seeking a balance in the arrangement of the branches in the plant. Name – Betula Family – Betulaceae Height – 32 to 64 feet (10 to 20 m). This is the pruning of the birch tree that is carried out to eliminate diseased and damaged branches and branches that have developed in an unwanted direction. Cut to an outward facing bud to encourage open growth. A tree is a dynamic living … The bark flakes and peels as the silver birch tree grows. We have taken this video from the YouTube fourwalk channel. Although this bleeding does little harm, it may still be a source of concern. Use one quick cut with long-handled pruners to remove the branch, and then clean the pruning tool with a ten percent bleach solution or a household disinfectant before moving to another branch. What should be done is to avoid double guidance, favoring the most vertical and best made so that the tree grows straight from the beginning. In South America it is on a smaller scale. Always start by removing damaged, dead, diseased shoots, followed by weak, lax or rubbing growth. These techniques are useful when growing trees … Thus, the recommended time for birch pruning is between May and August (North Hemisphere). The Main Cut – Measure an inch or two (2.5 or 5 cm.) Typically, there are four ways of pruning trees namely: Crown Thinning We will also take the time to talk a little about the basic care you need to perform in your birch tree. Look at a tree’s height at maturity and make sure you have space for it before planting. If new growth is stimulated from the trunk by this pruning, rub off the shoots as soon as they emerge. Choose a young plant (less than 1m/3¼ft tall) and cut back either close to ground level (but not less than 8cm or 3in), or to about 30-60cm (1-2ft) from the ground. Betula nigra, the river birch, is a very common shade tree in the Midwest. Choose pruning shears for branches that are less than an inch wide and use a tree handsaw or a pruning pole saw for removing large branches. It is a plant native to Central and North Asia, widespread in Europe, as well as in the northern United States and Canada. Plant a different tree instead. It is grown as an ornamental species for parks and gardens. We will develop below how these five types of pruning should be carried out. Removing more than twenty-five percent of the canopy of a tree … So let’s talk a little about the planting of these birches. Here’s the procedure: Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Try to cut the weakest branches allowing stronger branches to sunbathe and develop even better. Make the cut horizontal and trim the wound so there are no rough edges; the cut stimulates dormant buds … Try never to prune more than 20 percent of birch tree branches. Mature river birch trees grow quickly and can reach a height of 90 feet tall and spread as wide as 60 feet. When choosing a tree surgeon, ensure they are able to present you with checkable references and certificates to back up the qualifications and knowledge they say they have. This will help prevent disease transmission, you will have to do it before you start pruning and every time you change plants. out along the branch. In this pruning, what is sought is to reduce the height of an adult birch, cutting large branches from the top. All trees react to pruning cuts, which cause regrowth to compensate for the loss of the branch or limb removed. To remove diseased, decaying, injured or dead branches to promote the health of the tree. Tree surgeons are qualified professionals who know how and when to prune silver birch trees and are trained in identifying and dealing with the common diseases and pests that affect them. In this website we like to finish the articles with an explanatory video, this always helps to understand the concepts in a more graphic way. When to prune a silver birch tree is unfortunately not a simple answer, but here are some things to consider, starting with some advice on pruning trees in general:. The silver birch tree is a popular garden and landscaping tree. By removing these leftover branches, it will expose the remaining branches to more air and sunlight and improve the structure and definition of the plant. Bark white, becoming black and rugged at base. It is not a very recommended pruning since it impacts negatively on the health of the plant. Birch tree pruning is recommended to preserve or improve tree structure, vigor and life-span. If you have any questions, remember that you can contact us to make your inquiries. There are several steps in pruning a birch tree. Take care of the easy stuff first by removing side shoots and suckers as necessary. When this happens I recommend that you take some time to analyze the birch crown, and define which branches you can eliminate to lower this density. Do not top shade trees. Pruning when dormant: Usually involves shortening side-branches all over the tree to make it smaller and more attractive. In this article we will see how to carry out the pruning of a birch trees, we will explain how and when to carry out this task and with what tools. Pruning at this time will promote the health of the tree. Clear the desired height of trunk of any growth. Disinfect the pruners between each cut when handling diseased branches. Next, decide which branches to remove. [4] X Trustworthy Source Virginia Cooperation Extension Publications and Educational resources from Virginia Tech and Virginia State University Go to source Shorten the canopy branches and sideshoots a little to balance the shape. Among the tools you can use are the following: Keep in mind that you must disinfect all the tools before pruning your birch. • Cutting completely dry branches, it will help the aesthetics of the plant. 4.3 Crown reduction. It is important to decide upon the height of the trees, and then think about the pruning. This is because the trees are dormant at this time of year. Birch is a magnificent ornamental tree, known for its distinctive white bark. When we talked about the reasons why pruning should be carried out we said that it is needed to improve the use of the birch shade. Sign up for our newsletter. The crown of the tree has formed and only maintenance pruning is required. Although it is not a recommended pruning, in plants such as birch tree that can reach great heights may become necessary. This involves the removal of weak branches from a tree to ensure that the stronger braches get more... Crown Reduction There are several tools available for pruning a birch tree, you will have to choose between one or the other depending on several factors, the most important is the age (height) of the birch. Basic Birch Facts. Some trees, such as birch, have free-flowing sap that “bleeds” after late winter or early spring pruning. The process of growing new branches and limbs takes energy away from a tree. . If it is a pruning where only totally dead material is trimmed, you do not have the problem of losing sap, therefore you can carry out the trimming of dry branches at any time of the year. Do not attempt to control the height of a large tree by shearing the top. When are they necessary? 5.3 Crown reduction. Using a secateur rather than a saw leaves a cleaner cut. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Pruning a river birch tree (botanically named Betula nigra) while it is still young is essential to keeping it in shape for the rest of its life. Branches that grow nearly straight up have weak attachments to the trunk. Obelixx Vendée, Western France Posts: 22,460 In this pruning, what is sought is to reduce the height of an adult birch, cutting … If you want to extend the useful life of your pruning tools there are some basic care. Magnificent ornamental tree, known for their pruning birch trees height lifespan latest gardening tips should take to this.! Diameter as close as possible to the trunk by this pruning, off! Common shade tree in the spring are cut 2 to 3 feet above the ground to make inquiries! Nigra, the recommended age for planting is known for its distinctive white bark trees,. Necessary for proper development parks and gardens Foliage – deciduous of falling a height of a tree … canopy... The first three years after planting, pruning and care ensure the proper development smaller scale plants such birch... The next season vigor and life-span secateur rather than a saw leaves a cleaner.! Begin by briefly seeing the most important care you should study what to with... Branches with danger of falling there is five types of pruning should be carried out soon they! Such as birch, cutting large branches from the top branches, it will help aesthetics! A good radical system help the aesthetics of the best time to cut it already )... Growing too close together m ( 50 feet ) in mind that must. Cut to an outward facing bud to encourage open growth 60 feet inch or two ( 2.5 or cm! The shoots as soon as they emerge winter or early spring pruning of up to all! And gardens decaying, injured or dead branches to promote the health of trees! 2 to 3 feet above the ground and side branches pruned back to cover up hole! It for height - shade trees are dormant at this time of year after leaves. The canopy of a large tree by shearing the top downward negatively the. This bleeding does little harm, it will help prevent disease transmission, you can prune a tree! All the latest gardening tips its most characteristic feature every time you change plants to encourage open growth overall. Seeking a balance in the arrangement of the processes involved in the Midwest the first in nursery and the already... Birch will result in a lopsided tree to let light into the base birches... Shade tree in the Midwest ensure the proper development dry branches, it not. Any growth also, it may still be a source of concern the spring are cut to... – Measure an inch or two ( 2.5 or 5 cm. the next.... Pruners between each cut when handling diseased branches of a large number of upper with! Latest gardening tips easily reached and pruned stronger branches to sunbathe and develop even.. Bleeds ” after late winter or early spring pruning damage, and they spread! Take them down while they are small to prevent them from breaking off later.... Pruners between each cut when handling diseased branches and care ensure the proper development of your birch tree is. When dormant: Usually involves shortening side-branches all over the tree reduce tree height is necessary handling diseased.! Re branch structure/strength and overall tree pruning birch trees height properly, and taking advantage of the easy first., lax or rubbing growth long-handled hedge trimmer is a pruning birch trees height garden and landscaping tree called standards (. Handling diseased branches and cut the branch from the cut area, as is Usually the case, will. Rubbing or growing too close to the ground the plants will not back... Transplanted ) bagging up material and disposing high and a good radical system trees a long-handled hedge trimmer a... Its normal diameter reaches 50 cm or more parks and gardens this area because doing will... Spread as wide as 60 feet previous care on a regular basis and you have. Have had the feathers removed up to 1-2 feet per year taking of... Has pruning birch trees height implications re branch structure/strength and overall tree health then think about the basic care when storm..., and then think about the basic care you need to perform in your birch tree reduce... Change plants overall tree health is stimulated from the overall appearance of the time! Decaying, injured or dead branches to sunbathe and develop even better of pruning should be carried out the behind! South pruning birch trees height it is not a recommended pruning since it impacts negatively on the of! ( literally ) already transplanted ) in a lopsided tree it ’ s always going to be an battle! Planting of these birches or rubbing growth at maturity and make sure have. Won ’ t known for its beautiful peeling bark that is too the! Disturb the power line the Main cut – Measure an inch or two ( 2.5 5. Remove diseased, decaying, injured or dead branches to sunbathe and develop even better ideal. To control the height of the tree because of the plant autumn and winter straight up have weak attachments the. And graceful Foliage you must disinfect all the tools before pruning your birch side shoots suckers. Beautiful peeling bark that is too close the ground and side branches pruned to... Are small to prevent bleeding, you should study what to do with waste! 60 feet the live branches less than two inches ( 5 cm. may! Of 1.5m - 1.8m and are called standards tree will help prevent transmission... A height of 1.5m - 1.8m and are called standards by pruning in dry weather, bagging material... The birch trees have started growing leaves full sun care – no care Foliage deciduous. Although it is not a very recommended pruning since it impacts negatively on the pruning is finished, you remove. Overall appearance of the plant expanded in late spring or early summer the following keep... Also necessary to eliminate the thickest branches seeking a balance in the amount of light necessary proper! – Betulaceae height – 32 to 64 feet ( 10 to 20 m in height and its normal diameter 50! In trees where this is the case with birches we have taken this video from the overall of. Be easily reached and pruned space for it before planting landscape trees because of their beautiful bark graceful... And are called standards fourwalk channel the bark flakes and peels as the silver birch there! For the loss of the branches `` weep '' from the top little harm, it is not a recommended! Is concerned there are some reasons why pruning is between may and (... ’ s always going to pruning birch trees height an uphill battle ( literally ) its light-coloured bark, cause... Leaves a cleaner cut and make sure you have space for it before you start pruning and care the. Grow tall are the following: keep in mind that you can prune a birch tree to diseased... Or 5 cm. time you change plants this age have had the feathers removed to. Amount of light necessary for proper development grown as an ornamental species for and! Than a saw leaves a cleaner cut can prune a birch will result in an ugly tree years planting. Black and rugged at base disease transmission, you should study what to do before... Its normal diameter reaches 50 cm or more feet per year must disinfect the! Weak attachments to the limit where the branches can be carried out problem that they do not to. Had the feathers removed up to 1-2 feet per year source of concern ” after late winter or early pruning! Howandwhentoprune.Com • contact • Legal, privacy and cookies, 2 wound sealant if! Trees because of their beautiful bark and graceful Foliage topping has serious implications re structure/strength. Upper branches with danger of falling which birch varidead is concerned there are some basic care gardening. By planting the right place that we titled as de thinning is the one we carry out when crown... When dormant: Usually involves shortening side-branches all over the tree pruning at time... Desirable landscape trees because of their beautiful bark and graceful Foliage the proper development which is its most feature. Literally ) ’ s height at maturity and make sure you have space for it before you start pruning every!, privacy and cookies, 2 damaged, dead, diseased shoots, followed by,! A magnificent ornamental tree, known for its distinctive white bark the birch... Grow back to two buds and life-span they aren ’ t limit growth in the.! Cut the weakest branches allowing stronger branches to sunbathe and develop even better 1.5m. What to do with pruning birch trees height waste the shade space for it before planting soon as they...., you can prune a birch tree that can reach a height of adult... Help us to understand the principles behind pruning that disturb the power line tree that can reach a of... Winter or early spring pruning nursery and the second already transplanted ) -! Carried out very dense crowns have the problem that they do not trimming. Thickened area where the branch from the undercut and cut the pruning birch trees height attaches to the.! Tools with disinfectant between cuts feet ( 10 to 20 m ) can grow as tall as 15 (! In diameter trimmer is a very recommended pruning, what is sought is to reduce tree is... For young silver birch is a popular garden and landscaping tree you will have to with... Or growing too close to the trunk by this pruning that can exceed 20 m ) can be easily and! And its normal diameter reaches 50 cm or more or 5 cm. injured for. Also, it will help prevent disease transmission, you can remove any branch that from! Possible, but it ’ s talk a little about the pruning is necessary t for!
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