Knowledgebase

Harvesting birch bark #925006

Asked February 24, 2026, 3:04 PM EST

Hi! I'm unsure that this is the right place to ask this question, but I figured you all could point me in the right direction if not. I'm a student at the U, working on a class paper that involves attempting to make a manuscript on birch bark. I was wondering if I could get advice on the best methods for harvesting said bark, as well as if you knew of any trees I could gather from with permission? I would be looking for Betula papyrifera, but if there are any Betula pendula that would be even better! Thank you so much, I know this is unorthodox.

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for this question.
Be careful with the material AI finds on the web.  This is a craft and many hobbyists are not knowledgeable about sustainability of the harvested tree. 
https://alaskaethnobotany.community.uaf.edu/noticing-culturally-marked-birch-trees/#:~:text=Harvesting%20birch%20bark%20may%20not,tree%2C%20from%20roots%20to%20branches.
https://canoe.csumc.wisc.edu/LdFCanoe_subpage_East_Birch.html

Respect landowner and tribal rights. 
Harvest as little as possible to learn and demonstrate the concept.
Steve Miles, Master Gardener, Hennepin County, (I am a volunteer human being: not a bot, not AI). I'm an avid gardener but not a degreed or certified horticulturist or arborist. I will do much better if you also send a photograph. I like follow-up questions.  The University' garden soil tests are excellent.  https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden This is how to find a tree expert.  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional  A Directory of ISA certified arborists is at https://certificates.directory.isa-arbor.com/  The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a wonderful place to see and learn about plants that grow in Minnesota. https://mngardens.horticulture.umn.edu/minnesota-landscape-arboretum  Ask a Master Gardener is a public service of the University of MInnesota's Extension Division.  Please donate if we make you happy.  https://give.umn.edu/gardener Replied February 24, 2026, 3:34 PM EST

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