How to Grow Birch Trees

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Find a birch tree that is suitable for your climate.

   Paper and white birches are a good selection for the northern climate, as is the gray birch, which is native to the Northeast.
   
   The river birch is a good selection for the Southern United States. ,,,,,,, Allow it to soak for 1 day. ,, The branch can be planted after 8 weeks; the sprouted seed can be planted after 6 to 8 months.
   
   The young tree should be positioned in the landscape so that its leaves will receive sunshine for most of the day.
2. 2

   Step 2: Capture seed pods from a birch tree in August when they start to fall from the branches and flutter to the ground.

   ,, If you do fertilize, use only a slow-release fertilizer and don't apply the fertilizer after August. , If you are not getting sufficient rainfall, water for at least 1 to 2 hours per week until late August.
3. 3

   Step 3: Place seeds in containers with well-rotted compost and humus.

4. 4

   Step 4: Cover with a little soil and water to dampen but not drench the soil.

5. 5

   Step 5: Place the container in a plastic bag.

6. 6

   Step 6: Place the plastic-wrapped container in an unheated garage for safekeeping as the seeds need a period of cold rest time or hibernation until the early spring when the threat of frost has passed.

7. 7

   Step 7: Take a 5 to 8 inch (12 to 20 cm) cutting from the current year's growth

8. 8

   Step 8: making the cut just below a leaf node.

9. 9

   Step 9: Remove all leaves from the lower 3 inches (7.5 cm) of the cutting

10. 10

    Step 10: and place the cutting in a root hormone solution.

11. 11

    Step 11: Place it in a pot filled with an equal amount of peat moss and sand.

12. 12

    Step 12: Plant the sprouted seed or branch in cool

13. 13

    Step 13: moist soil.

14. 14

    Step 14: Plant in late April or early May when danger of frost is past.

15. 15

    Step 15: Mulch with wood chips

16. 16

    Step 16: leaf compost or shredded bark.

17. 17

    Step 17: Fertilize only if a soil test determines that nutrients are lacking.

18. 18

    Step 18: Water the birch tree thoroughly

19. 19

    Step 19: preferably so the water soaks 18 inches (0.5 m) deep.

Detailed Guide

About the Author