White birch trees are one of the most beloved and iconic trees in landscapes across the country. Their striking white bark and elegant drooping branches make them instantly recognizable. While birches are notoriously slow-growing new cultivars have been developed that offer all the grace and beauty of white birches in a fast-growing variety.
In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of fast-growing white birch trees, provide growing tips to help them thrive, and recommend the best cultivars. We’ll also overview other types of birch trees so you can find the perfect match for your landscape.
An Overview of White Birch Trees
White birch trees, or Betula pendula, are native to Europe and parts of Asia. They are medium-sized deciduous trees, growing 40-50 feet tall at maturity. White birches are characterized by:
- White bark that peels in papery strips
- Graceful, drooping branches
- Green triangular-shaped leaves that turn yellow in fall
- Catkins flowers in spring
The striking white bark is the star of the show As the tree matures, the bark peels away in curling strips, revealing an orange-brown layer underneath This shedding continually renews the bright white bark.
In addition to visual beauty, birch trees have many uses. Historically, their flexible branches were used to make brooms and their bark was used for everything from canoe covering to papermaking Today, they remain a favorite ornamental tree for landscaping
However, birches are notoriously slow-growing—only about 1-2 feet per year. Their delicate root systems also make them harder to transplant than other trees. For those that love the look but lack the patience, fast-growing varieties are an excellent option.
The Benefits of Fast-Growing White Birch Trees
Fast-growing white birch trees allow you to enjoy the graceful elegance of birch trees without the waiting. Benefits include:
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Quicker establishment – Fast-growing varieties establish root systems and structure quicker than regular birch trees. This means you don’t have to wait as long for them to mature and fill out.
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Provide shade and color faster – Because they grow quicker, fast-growing birches provide desired shade and color in a fraction of the time.
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Withstand transplantation better – Faster growing varieties tend to be more resilient when transplanting. Their vigorous growth enables them to overcome stress better.
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Greater availability – Due to quick maturation, fast-growing birch tree varieties are easier for nurseries to grow in volume. This makes availability better.
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Fit small spaces – Fast growing birches work well if you need a refined, medium-sized tree but don’t have room to wait for slower growing varieties to fill in.
In short, fast-growing white birch trees allow you to fulfill your landscape vision faster. As long as proper care is provided, they offer the same stunning attributes as slower growing birch trees.
How to Grow Fast-Growing White Birch Trees
While fast-growing birch trees establish quicker, they still require proper care, especially when young. Here are some tips for successfully growing them:
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Select the right location – Birches prefer full sun but tolerate partial shade. Choose a spot that gets at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The soil should be slightly acidic, moist, and well-draining.
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Start with high quality specimens – Selecting healthy trees from a reputable nursery gives them the best start. Look for specimens with no signs of leaf discoloration/damage.
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Plant at the proper time – The best time to plant birch trees is in early spring before growth starts or fall after leaves drop. Avoid summer’s heat.
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Water consistently – Birch trees need consistently moist (but not soaked) soil. Water them deeply once a week or as needed to maintain moisture, especially while establishing.
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Use mulch – Spread 2-4 inches of organic mulch around the base of the tree to help retain soil moisture and discourage weeds. Pull weeds promptly to reduce competition.
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Avoid excessive fertilizer – Birches are sensitive to over-fertilization. Use a slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer only when necessary to encourage growth.
Following these tips will help your fast-growing white birch trees establish quickly and grow vigorously. Proper siting and care are key to success.
Recommended Fast-Growing White Birch Tree Varieties
Several newer birch tree cultivars offer faster growth while maintaining the distinctive white bark and graceful form of the species. Here are top picks:
Heritage® River Birch
- Growing zones: 4-9
- Rate: Up to 2 feet per year
- Height: 40-60 feet
- Features: Exfoliating bark, yellow fall color
This cold-hardy selection from the popular Heritage® series offers a medium to fast growth rate. It shares the heat tolerance of river birch while taking on white birch’s papery bark as it matures. Yellow fall foliage is another plus.
Dura Heat® River Birch
- Growing zones: 4-9
- Rate: Up to 2 feet per year
- Height: 40-50 feet
- Features: Withstands heat, graceful habit
This river birch cultivar has excellent heat tolerance and faster growth than the species. Its creamy white exfoliating bark, pretty habit and vigor make it an ideal choice for warmer areas.
Trinity White Birch
- Growing zones: 3-7
- Rate: Up to 3 feet per year
- Height: 40-50 feet
- Features: Rapid growth, yellow fall color
One of the fastest growing birch varieties, Trinity forms an upright oval shape with brilliant white bark. Deep green foliage turns golden in fall. It tolerates both cold and heat well.
Fox Valley® River Birch
- Growing zones: 4-8
- Rate: Up to 2 feet per year
- Height: 40-60 feet
- Features: Withstands humidity, shedding bark
Bred for resistance to bronze birch borer, this fast-growing river birch has handsome peeling bark when mature. It thrives in humid conditions that can adversely affect other birches.
This sampler shows fast-growing options for almost any region. Once established, they offer years of beauty and grace to landscapes.
Other Types of Birch Trees
While fast-growing white birch trees are ideal for some landscapes, they aren’t right for every site and preference. Fortunately, birches come in many shapes, sizes and colors. Here is an overview of some other popular types:
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Paper Birch – Native to northern regions, paper birch has stark white bark that peels into paper-like strips. Its foliage turns vibrant yellow in fall.
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River Birch – Often multi-trunked, river birch has russet-red peeling bark when mature. It thrives from zone 4 southward.
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Yellow Birch – Named for its golden bark, this birchprefer moist sites. It grows in zones 3-7.
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European White Birch – A slower growing old world cousin of white birch. It has a shimmering gray-white trunk.
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Cherry Birch – Grows in zones 3-7 with shiny red-brown bark that resembles cherry. Fall color is yellow.
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Gray Birch – A small birch growing 20-30 feet tall. Its peeling gray-brown bark and golden fall color add four-season interest.
Take site considerations like soil, moisture, and climate into account when selecting a birch variety. Consult with local nurseries to determine which types perform best in your area.
Bring the Beauty of Birch to Your Landscape
Thanks to fast-growing cultivars, it’s now possible to enjoy graceful white birch trees without a long wait. TheirADA bark, well-shaped canopy, and golden fall foliage bring elegance to lawns and borders.
When sited properly and cared for while establishing, fast-growing white birches thrive for years of enjoyment. Consider adding one of these iconic beauties to your own landscape today!
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Paper Birch – Remarkable Papery White Bark Tree
Why Paper Birch (Betula Papyrifera)?
Betula Papyrifera, commonly known as paper birch, is a birch endemic to the northern regions of North America. It gets its name from the tree’s papery bark, which is very thin and white and can peel off in pieces or all at once, depending on where you find it. Catkins support both male and female flowers, although they do so in different clusters.
The virtually white wood is utilized for various products, including woodenware, pulp, and fuel. Native Americans made boats and roofs out of some trees thin, water-resistant bark.
Paper birch is one of the first trees to grow back after a forest fire in northern latitudes. This makes them important for moose browsing. Not to forget, it is one of their favorite trees for feeding on.
The flowers are the wind-pollinated catkins. The flowers of the female plant are greenish and can be up to 12 inches long. The flowers of the male plant can be up to 4 inches long and smell brown.
Hardiness Zones. Zones 2-6
Fast Growing Birch Trees
FAQ
Which birch grows the fastest?
How long does it take for a white birch tree to grow?
What is the quickest growing tree for privacy?
What is the prettiest birch tree?
Are white birch trees easy to grow?
Yes, white birch trees are generally easy to grow, especially if you can provide them with the cool, moist environments they prefer. They are also relatively low-maintenance, not requiring regular pruning. However, like any tree, they do require some care and attention, particularly in terms of watering and monitoring for pests like birch borers.
Which birch tree is best?
It is a good choice in regions where bronze birch bore is a severe problem. Other options include silver (weeping) birch, which has great heat resistance; gray birch, which tolerates drier soils; and Himalayan birch, which provides excellent shade. The paper birch (Betula papyrifera) features creamy white bark that peels away from its trunk.
How big does a white birch tree get?
White birch trees can grow up to 70 feet tall, depending on the species. The bark of the tree is one of its most distinguishing features, with a striking white color that stands out against the greenery of the surrounding landscape. The bark is not only beautiful, but it also serves an important purpose.
Do birch trees grow fast?
Birch trees grow and develop a presence more quickly than most garden trees, although they are not as long-lived as maples, oaks and larger forest trees. Given their ability to establish quickly, they are ideal trees for small gardens.