How to Prune White Birch Trees

Birch trees, with their delicate white or silvery-hued bark, make a lovely focal point to any landscape or yard. Because these treasures tend to be susceptible to disease and the bronze birch borer, proper gardening and pruning methods are essential to extending the life of each tree. Unlike some ornamental trees which require shaping and regular trimming, pruning practices for birch are primarily for maintenance work. The tree's fullness is part of its beauty.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning shears
• Lopping shears
• Gardener gloves

Instructions

1. Prune only when the tree is dormant if possible. This puts less stress on the tree. It can also reduce exposure to disease. Avoid pruning between May and August. This is peak time for the lethal bronze birch borer, a small beetle, and the females are attracted to fresh pruning wounds. These insects can kill your tree. If you must prune at that time, treat the cut with insecticide.

2. Look for and remove diseased, damaged or dead branches first. Remove these using pruning or lopping shears. Removing these branches is the principal type of pruning done with birch trees.

3. Prune outside the branch ridge when removing larger branches. Angle away from the tree. Depending on the size of branch. you may need to use pruning shears or a pruning saw.

4. Prune twigs and smaller branches. Remove those that are dangling too close to the ground. Get rid of branches that intrude upon walking areas.

5. Prune for controlled light when removing live branches. You want to avoid pruning more than 25 percent of the live canopy. First study how removal of a branch will increase the penetration of light to the ground. Too much light into the root zone reduces the level of moisture. Birch trees like both damp ground and moist. This can put stress on the tree, making it more susceptible to disease.

Tips & Warnings

• Because there are many varieties of white-barked birch trees, consult your local nursery for disease issues and proper gardening methods.

• Don't neglect your tree. Observe it on a daily and weekly basis. Caught early, disease and the borer can be treated.

Resources

• US Dept. of Agriculture – About Birch Trees