River Birch Root Structure

When river birch trees do not get the water they need they will stretch and lengthen toward any source of water.
River birch root structure. River birch is a fast growing medium sized tree in most residential landscapes usually getting about 30 to 40 ft high in such places. Since the tree prefers to grow in moist wet and clay soils therefore the roots do not penetrate deep in search of water since it is easily available in the upper layer of the soil. Birch roots along with willow and poplar are among the most aggressive and destructive tree roots. One messy son of a birch.
It grows about 2 to 2 5 ft yr and lives about 100 years in nature. River birch is a popular fast growing native tree for the home landscape. They are often planted in clusters of three to create beautiful grouping. The birch tree that most of us are familiar with has strikingly white papery bark.
This birch does tolerate heat over 85 degrees f and so it does not get attacked by bronze birch borer unless it is very old and dying already. River birch will produce surface roots especially on wet or clay soils. River birch will drop its leaves during a drought when it is planted on a hot dry site. Their root systems are very strong and spread wide as they grow.
River birch betula nigra belongs in the category beautiful trees for someone else s yard they re popular here in the south because they re native grow fast develop handsome flaking bark and don t fall victim to all the borers bugs and diseases other birches do. This species is resistant to bronze birch borer bbb. Both are favorite choices for landscaping yards. This is the behavior that has many property owners concerned.
Root system of river birch tree. Unfortunately some birch trees can develop surface roots. Dark green foliage turns a beautiful buttery yellow in the fall. River birch is hardy to zone 4.
It s a thirsty wetlands loving tree with slender shimmery trunks and slightly drooping branches. Considerations the beauty of a cluster of birches can be worth a bit of extra planning. And then there s the river birch with its brown feathery bark. The river birch s betula nigra common name gives a clue about this graceful tree s needs.
The roots of river birch are far reaching but are non invasive. But their roots are not able to grow strong enough to damage a house or other structure.