Planting Instructions for Birch Trees

Evaluate the moisture content of your yard. Birch trees cannot tolerate drought, so they should be planted in locations that receive adequate moisture. Near a creek or pond or even in a low-lying spot that floods in the spring is ideal.

Find a spot that receives indirect sunlight all day. In the wild, birch trees often grow in open, lightly shaded forests. While birch trees need some sunlight on their leaves for proper development, too much sun can damage them. In the home landscape, birch trees usually perform best when planted on the north or east side of the house.

Test the pH of the soil. Birch trees prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5, although they will tolerate neutral or slightly alkaline soil. Soil test kits can be found at many garden centers, or from you local extension office.

Purchase a bare root birch tree. Bare root trees are sold when they are dormant, and although they look like little more than a stick with roots, they tend to transplant better than potted or balled and burlapped trees. Bare root trees are normally sold in the very early spring. Look for bare root birch trees with pliable stems and moist roots. Any garden center that sells trees should stock birch trees.

Dig a hole that is as deep as the root ball and twice as wide, and build a small mound in the middle to spread the roots over. Backfill with the excavated soil, and water thoroughly.

Spread 2 to 4 inches of mulch, such as wood chips or shredded bark, in a 3-foot diameter around the base of the birch tree. Leave a space of a few inches near the trunk so the bark can breath. Mulch will help keep the soil cool in the summer, retain moisture and keep down weeds. Replace mulch yearly or as needed.

Water your birch deeply once a week during the growing season. Lay down a soaker hose around the base of the tree and let the water slowly seep into the ground for two to three hours to make sure enough water gets down to the root system.