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First Dispatch Date: 9th November 2026
Birch Tree - Description
- Bare Root Native Irish Birch Trees
- Silver Birch
- Betula pendula
- Quantity: 1 Plant
- Small to Medium-Sized Garden Tree
- Form: Single Stemmed Whip
- Current Plant Size: 5–6ft (150–180cm)
- Plant Type: 1 + 1 / 2 Year Transplant
- Form: Bare Root
- Supplied without a Container or Pot
Birch Tree - Characteristics
- Native Irish deciduous tree with a tall, slender and elegant growth habit
- Light, open canopy allows plenty of light through to surrounding planting
- Young stems develop attractive white bark as the tree matures
- Branches develop an attractive arching habit with age
- Green ovate leaves with serrated margins turn yellow in autumn
- Produces distinctive catkins in spring
- Moderate growth rate once established
- Very hardy and well suited to Irish growing conditions
- Can reach approximately 25m tall with a spread of around 8m if allowed to reach full maturity
- Can be managed at a smaller size through appropriate pruning
Birch Tree - Uses
- Excellent choice for lawns, estates and larger garden spaces
- Grown for its attractive white bark and elegant natural form
- Creates an attractive focal point in gardens and landscaped areas
- Provides height and structure while retaining a light, open canopy
- Useful for adding vertical interest without creating excessive shade
- Suitable for specimen planting, avenues and informal groups
- Excellent native tree for supporting biodiversity and wildlife
Birch Tree - Planting Instructions
Planting Time
- Bare root Birch should be planted during the dormant season from October to March.
- Plant as soon as possible after receiving the trees.
- Avoid planting when the ground is frozen or during severe frosty conditions.
- Keep the roots protected and moist if planting is temporarily delayed.
Positioning Trees
- Birch performs well in full sun or partial shade.
- Choose a well-drained soil; it can tolerate light soils and heavier clay soils where drainage is adequate.
- Silver Birch is not particularly suited to persistently wet or waterlogged ground.
- It can grow in acidic, neutral or alkaline soils.
- For planting in lawns, allow approximately 5–7m between trees depending on the desired final effect.
- Position each tree at approximately the same depth as it was previously growing.
- Backfill with suitable topsoil and firm the soil carefully around the roots.
- Ensure each tree is planted upright and level off the soil around the base.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
- Support young trees with a suitable stake where required, particularly in exposed positions.
After Care
- Water thoroughly before and after planting.
- Water regularly during the first growing seasons until the trees are fully established.
- During prolonged dry weather, water approximately every 2 days.
- Keep the planting area free from competing weeds and grass.
- Weeding is particularly important around young trees during establishment.
- Avoid strimming or mowing directly around the base of the trees.
- Mulching around the base can help retain moisture and suppress competing weeds.
Betula pendula - Quick Facts
- Also widely known as Silver Birch.
- A native Irish tree valued for its distinctive white bark and elegant form.
- Produces catkins in spring as part of its natural flowering cycle.
- Birch is exceptionally hardy and naturally occurs across northern Europe and into Siberia.
- Birch wood has traditionally been used for firewood and a variety of timber products.
- Birch sap has traditionally been collected and used in drinks and syrup production.
- Silver Birch is found throughout Ireland and provides valuable habitat for native wildlife.
- An excellent choice for adding height, structure and seasonal interest while retaining a relatively light canopy.
