PlantFiles: River Birch
Betula nigra

I think the tree is beautiful. It provides shade, but dappled shade. I have had one of my trees for almost 20 years now. I would make sure you trim the lower limbs, so you can walk under the tree. I would not plant it right next to the house. The bark has a great texture, and color in the fall and winter. I have had borers get into one of the trunks of my older tree, which is a Heritage River Birch. The other tree I have is a native River Birch. It is just a few years old, and is doing great. These trees do like water, so I like to plant hostas under them. I would not let them dry out too much, because the leaves will turn yellow and drop leaves. I think it is a beautiful tree, and do not regret planting either of mine!

This tree was planted by the previous owner, my first impressions were positive because of the character of the bark. I have, over the years become quiet negative toward this type of tree and seriously considering having it removed. This tree is very messy, with small branches and leaves being a problem all year long. The roots are massive and very dense near the surface, starving peripheral plants of nutrients and water and choking their roots. I have many trees in my yard, of many varieties, and love them all…except this one. I would defiantly not recommend this plant to anyone with a residential lot, I personally wouldn’t even want it in my woods… the bark indeed adds an interesting texture, but it’s not worth it in my opinion.

This tree was planted by the previous owner of our home 18 years ago. In the spring it is a sight to behold with the catkins and peeling bark and beautiful branches swaying in the spring breeze. The owners had planted 2 birch only six feet apart and they were in the middle of the front yard and blocked the house numbers. I cut one down with my trusty axe and it wasn't too hard because it was only about 12 feet high. Fast forward 10 years after I cut the first one down. The tree is huge. Probably 35 or 40 feet high. There are big thick roots growing toward my front concrete porch and I am worrried about my foundation. Great to be online with other gardening lovers. Rosemary

River Birch Betula nigra is Native to Texas and other States.

I got a river Birch from Wal-Mart 6 months ago. I has doubled its size. I water it almost every day. $10 for a 2 gallons shurb
size plant when I get it. Now its over 6 feet tall. Nice leaves and good shape.

I've got two river birch, both planted alongside a stone stream that will deliver plenty of moisture to them.

The deer seem to particularly enjoy them, and I think the elder of the two I planted would be 10' tall if it weren't for the deer.

I planted two River Birch in my garden, but I have several big and little ones growing naturally down by the creek. I love the peeling bark and dappled shade.The ones I planted don't really get enough water and have a slight problem with pests, but the rains the past two years have helped them to get stronger. They are about ten feet tall and have a real nice shape. I wish I had the ability to take a good picture and add it here.

The River Birch's native habitat is on the river banks. In the landscape it does require a great deal of water to thrive, in fact, it is recommended to plant in problematic low areas of the property to improve standing water issues. It is rare that it can receive too much water. Signs that the tree is not happy are leaf drop and branch dieback. Several years of not practicing proper cultural maintenance will shorten the life of any plant. Plant this one where you can be sure it receives the required water and it will shine. You won't be sorry.

The good news: this tree is very fast growing and the peeling bark is lovely. It provides dappled shade. The bad news: Once the leaves appear in the spring, they start disappearing. This tree continuously drops leaves and small limbs. Its invasive root system can be hazardous to your foundations and decking. If you plant this tree in a landscaped area be prepared to rake leaves and twigs out of your shrubs and flower beds and sweep your decks and patios on a daily basis. We finally gave up and had our 40-ft tree removed.