Knowledgebase
Can I shape mature (relatively) River Birch #875390
Asked June 30, 2024, 6:45 PM EDT
Oakland County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello Jeffrey,
River Birch, (Betula nigra) generally have a pyramidal form that favors a central leader. They are fast growing and can reach 70 feet. Read more here: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277830
I suppose the arborists are concerned that you will spend time and money pruning it into the shape that you want it to be every year. However, it is your tree and you can shape it any way you want it.
Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.
Folks,
Did you ever respond to this?
I have been told that 1) it’s OK to shape a river birch, and 2) you can’t shape a river birch without killing every branch you touch.
Thanks,
Jeff
From: ask=<personal data hidden> [mailto:ask=<personal data hidden>] On Behalf Of Ask Extension
Sent: Sunday, June 30, 2024 6:46 PM
To: Jeffrey Bauman <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Thank you for your Ask Extension question (#0145308)
Dear Jeffrey,
Thank you for using Ask Extension. A request for support has been created and a representative will follow-up with you as soon as possible. Questions are usually answered within two business days. You can view this question's progress online.
YOUR QUESTION #0145308:
Can I shape mature (relatively) River Birch
We have two river birch trees that were more "dome" shaped (and smaller, of course) when we purchased our home about four years ago. We have been receiving mixed messages from tree companies regarding shaping / trimming them back to be dome shaped, as (poorly) shown in the captioned attachment. Other photos are of one of the trees today. I'm guessing they are about 20' high. Can you please weigh in on this?
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Hello Jeffrey,
When pruning trees, it is recommended that you do not remove more than 25 % of the living canopy if it is done properly, it will not cause the tree to die. This would apply to river birch. Remove the dead wood first and often, it is not necessary to remove any more wood. Then shape the tree as you wish. Read more here: https://www.weekand.com/home-garden/article/prune-birch-trees-time-pruning-18068475.php
And here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/pruning-trees
Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.
Thank you for your reply.
May I ask you to revisit this? Specifically, I was told by a tree service that River Birch cannot be shaped without killing the entire branch that is trimmed.
Your “pruning trees” answer seems generic. Can you take another look as it applies to river birch?
Thank you,
Jeff
Jeffrey L. Bauman
11390 Clark Rd,
Davisburg, MI 48350
<personal data hidden>
From: ask=<personal data hidden> [mailto:ask=<personal data hidden>] On Behalf Of Ask Extension
Sent: Monday, July 15, 2024 10:38 AM
To: Jeffrey Bauman <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Can I shape mature (relatively) River Birch (#0145308)
Hello Jeffrey,
My approach to pruning birch trees may sound generic because it is.
Here are some tips for pruning river birch trees:
Best times to prune: late spring, fall or winter before the sap begins to run;
Decide what you want to prune before you begin: first remove dead, diseased or damaged branches; then remove branches to improve airflow and sunlight within the canopy;
Cut outside the branch collar, the swollen part where the base of the branch meets the trunk (by removing the branch collar, the tree will be unable to heal the cut area);
Shorten large or heavy branches by cutting them back to a lateral branch or bud, cut on an angle;
Never cut more than 1/3 of the trees canopy at one time.
I hope this answers your question. If not, I suggest that you contact a certified arborist who can assess your tree and provide information on pruning. To find an arborist in your area, go to www.treesaregood.org, the website of the International Society of Arboriculture.
Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.
