What to Expect From Birches

Whether you’re looking to replace your old tree, or you’re planning on planting a new one, you should know what to expect from birches. A birch is a tree from the family Betulaceae, which is related to the beech-oak family Fagaceae. The genus Betula contains 30 to 60 known taxa. Among the taxa are paper birch, Chinese birch, and Asian white birch.

Paper birch

Besides being used as lumber, paper birch has a wide variety of uses. Several Native American groups used its bark to make baskets, canoes, and roofing materials. The wood is also used in furniture, spoons, spools, and popsicle sticks.

Paper birch is native to northern North America. It is a small to medium-sized tree. It grows well in a variety of soils and in full sun. However, it cannot tolerate extreme temperatures. It also requires a lot of water, so it is best planted in a moist area.

Paper birch can be used as a plant for restoration of disturbed sites. In addition, it is an important browse tree for many forest animals. Several Maine bird species feed on birch seeds.

Paper birch is also commonly planted as an ornamental plant. Its white bark and handsome foliage make it attractive. However, it has a short lifespan. After 75 years, the tree will begin to die.

Chinese birch

Besides being a popular wood for furniture, plywood made from Chinese poplar is used for entertainment centers and closets. For those interested in the wood, there is no shortage of choices. You can check out the best online sources and find out which manufacturers have the best prices. In addition, you can learn more about the industry, the trade, and how to get the most out of your buck.

It’s not hard to find out that Chinese poplar is not a stable wood and it is a pain to glue. For this reason, many wood suppliers offer a “knockout” to replace any small holes. It’s a good idea to fill the holes with a suitable filler to improve the wood’s durability. The best part is that you won’t have to worry about damaging the wood while you’re doing it.

If you want to go the route of wood, you can find Chinese poplar plywood at trade resources centers and in the form of a veneer. You can also try and find a supplier that can ship to your location.

Asian white birch

Those who like the look of white bark will love the Asian white birch (Betula platyphylla). This birch has white bark and is native to Japan, Korea, and Mongolia. It is also found in subarctic Asia and China. It is a medium to large tree that can grow to about 30 meters in height.

The Asian white birch is a great accent tree for your landscape. It is a great tree to add to a rain garden or pollinator garden. It grows best in full sun or part shade. It is also good for clay soils. This tree is hardy and does not peel like other birches. It is considered one of the pioneer species of the birch family.

The bark of the Asian white birch is very smooth and is white. It has a beautiful shape. Its foliage turns golden yellow in the fall. This tree also has a dark green leaf during the summer.

Perennials and groundcovers for birches

Adding perennials and groundcovers around birches can create a wonderful, natural look for your landscape. The wide variety of groundcovers can provide color in your garden during the winter months. They are low-maintenance, are easy to care for, and add interest to your landscape.

One of the most popular groundcovers is Pachysandra. This plant has attractive, dark green leaves. It forms a beautiful mat. It is also a great choice for erosion control.

Another low-growing, spreading perennial is Callirhoe involucrata. This plant is excellent for growing under birches. It produces red, cup-shaped flowers. It is also drought tolerant.

Another good choice for erosion control is Arctostaphylos uva-ursi. This native ground cover is very reliable. It is also deer resistant. In addition, it has light pink bell-shaped flowers in the spring. This plant is also very weed-suppressing.

Another low-growing, spreading perennial that’s great for planting under birches is Allegheny Spurge. This plant grows up to 12 inches tall and is drought-tolerant.