Sweet Birch

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

40 - 45 Feet

Mature Spread

20 - 25 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 8

Sweet Birch, more formally known as Betula Lenta, is one of the greatest multi-purpose trees you can have in your yard. A tall tree, when mature, offers shade, wildlife habitat, and a beautiful set of colors all year long. The utility of this spectacular tree is incomparable, as nearly every part is usable. The leaves, twigs, and inner bark of Sweet Birch have a strong scent of wintergreen and are used for the production of wintergreen oil. Their sap can be used to produce syrup similar to sugar maple, and the wood is great for furniture and more. 

The Sweet Birch is a native to the northeastern United States. It has a unique, shiny black-brown bark, and lush, green foliage during the summer. In autumn, it has one of the most vibrant yellow colors of foliage of all birch trees. The Sweet Birch grows about a foot per year, reaching 40 to 70 feet tall. As it grows, it takes on a tight pyramidal shape that widens as it gets taller. In the spring, it produces aromatic catkins that make the tree home to many pollinators and other wildlife. Sweek Birch trees can live for over a hundred years. They make good standalone trees or can be added to any wooded landscape.

Sweet Birch Care

Sweet Birch trees grow well in rich, slightly acidic, fertile soil. They can tolerate soils being wet, but not flooded, and they do thrive if the soil is dry. They like to be in full to partial sun, and will tolerate cold temperatures well. Long, persistent heat is not ideal for this magnificent tree. Sweet Birch Trees do not need fertilization unless grown in poor quality or deficient soil. Low nitrogen fertilizers can improve the health of your tree. 

Sweet Birch Trees do not need much pruning. The connection point on the limbs is weak, so usually, if a branch dies, it will fall to the ground. If you need to prune, prune sweet birch trees in the summer months after the sap has stopped flowing. Trim the branches flush with the trunk and try not to leave a stump. 

Sweet Birch Spacing

As you plant Sweet Birch Trees, space them 20 to 30 feet apart. When planting other companion plants under or around a Sweet Birch tree, you should consider that Sweet Birches are prolific seeders. Your under plants may have competition from newly germinated spruce trees. 

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