Silver Birch

Hello. My first post so be gentle! I have been given a silver birch for 25th wedding anniversary and would appreciate some advice on when to plant it and where. It is in good condition and currently in a large pot. My garden has areas of sun and shade but the soil is predominantly clay. Any advice would be much appreciated.

 

Hello redchris and welcome!

Do you know what variety of birch you have as this can make a difference?

Most birches (Betula) like a fairly open aspect but will tollerate some shade. They are also fairly shallow rooted, don't like drought conditions and will rob moisture from any other plants under their canopy. They are beautiful though and in winter the white, silver, yellow or plum paper barks add both colour and interest to the garden. They also have a delicate leaf, good shape, delicate branch structure, a wealth of catkins and in autumn provide a lot of seed and insect food for birds. They don't grow too large so in many ways are ideal for a garden and it's a lovely gift to receive.

For planting, the usual parameters are required. A hole at least twice the depth of the existing root structure and the diameter should be at least as large as the widest extent of the existing branches. Add a good load of well rotted compost or leaf mould to the bottom of the hole, mix well into the soil and plant to just slightly below the existing depth in the pot (no more than 3 inches). Add a stout stake to the hole driven well into the ground but be carefull not to damage any roots which should be teased out slightly from the ball. Add plenty of compost with the backfill and firm down well. Tie the trunk to the stake about 1/3 the height of the main trunk with a figure 8 binding of broad material so that it doesn't cut the tree bark. The idea should be to prevent root rock during high winds but allow the top of the tree and trunk to flex. (Old tights are ideal as they can provide a firm but not too tight tie with a bit of give for growth room). Give some water but don't waterlog the soil

Your tree will be heading towards leaf fall and dormancy during winter but the ground will still be warm enough if you plant without delay for it to settle before the hard weather arrives so you can go for it now and it should grow away quite happily come springtime. Deep soak the root area occasionally during very dry periods for the first couple of years while the tree establishes itself.

The above is a bit general RHS page: Dressed to impress - Birch will give more specific advice about different varieties