BIRCH TREES
Birch trees are especially popular in Northern Michigan because they are native to our area and because of their exceptionally attractive bark. Birch clumps are in more demand than single stem trees because they have a larger impact on the landscape. Bronze birch bore, is an insect that has caused decline, then dying of many birch trees; it is a problem especially with European white birch and other non-native varieties. River Birch, which exhibits a dark tan exfoliating bark and Heritage River birch with a chalky white to light tan exfoliating bark do not have the bore problem. Whitespire birch (technically a grey birch), which has a smooth white bark, has been a leader in white birch sales the last several years because of its resistance to Bronze Birch.
Hot, dry summers cause a lot of stress on birch trees along with other environmental conditions. Birch trees have a relatively short life, but keeping the trees healthy with fertilizer and extra deep watering to prevent stress on the tree can do much to slow down or prevent birch bore infestations. There are systemic chemicals that can help prevent the bore from attacking and can also kill existing bores (and other insects) that attack birch trees.
With the right selection of tree varieties and intentional care, birch trees can remain a beautiful tree in our landscapes!
If you like birch with wine-colored leaves, we carry single stem Royal Frost Birch trees.
Birch trees are especially popular in Northern Michigan because they are native to our area and because of their exceptionally attractive bark. Birch clumps are in more demand than single stem trees because they have a larger impact on the landscape. Bronze birch bore, is an insect that has caused decline, then dying of many birch trees; it is a problem especially with European white birch and other non-native varieties. River Birch, which exhibits a dark tan exfoliating bark and Heritage River birch with a chalky white to light tan exfoliating bark do not have the bore problem. Whitespire birch (technically a grey birch), which has a smooth white bark, has been a leader in white birch sales the last several years because of its resistance to Bronze Birch.
Hot, dry summers cause a lot of stress on birch trees along with other environmental conditions. Birch trees have a relatively short life, but keeping the trees healthy with fertilizer and extra deep watering to prevent stress on the tree can do much to slow down or prevent birch bore infestations. There are systemic chemicals that can help prevent the bore from attacking and can also kill existing bores (and other insects) that attack birch trees.
With the right selection of tree varieties and intentional care, birch trees can remain a beautiful tree in our landscapes!
If you like birch with wine-colored leaves, we carry single stem Royal Frost Birch trees.
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