Why Do You Plant Birch Trees In Threes

Have you ever noticed that birch trees aren’t usually standing alone? That’s right. Typically birch trees are planted in groups of three to five. It is very common to see them planted alongside one another and rare to see just one. There are many reasons for this growing method. Now you must wonder why you plant birch trees in trees?

Most Birch trees are planted in threes to aid with their growth. They shade each other’s trunks and roots, keeping the soil moist and the leaves still exposed to sunlight, which is the healthiest way for them to grow. There are also historical stories that may coincide with the logic of planting birch trees in threes. 

Also, one of the main reasons is aesthetics. Birch trees are even more beautiful when their bright white trunks stand beside one another, and their bright green leaves blend. Many people think they are more pleasant to look at if planted in groups. If your interest is sparked, continue reading to learn more about birch trees and why they shouldn’t be grown alone. 

Benefits of Planting Birch Trees In Groups

Visually, many believe that the look of birch trees planted in groups is a more beautiful site than planting them alone. Specifically, their trunks’ white and silvery bark is more impactful when several are right next to each other, especially because birch tree trunks are smaller than many other trees.  

Planting birch trees in groups of at least three limits the height they can grow to. A birch tree can get up to 100 feet tall if planted alone. That is too tall for residential areas. If birch trees are planted in groups, their roots at some point will restrict each other and cause them not to grow any taller. 

It can be difficult to find a location that will allow one individual birch tree to grow and live its full lifespan. Birch trees need full sun on their tops and leaves, while they also need their bases to be shaded to allow the soil to stay moist. If birch trees are planted in groups, they will provide shade for each other’s foundations while still allowing full access to direct sunlight towards the top. 

Different Types of Birch Trees

There are several types of birch trees that you’ll find planted round the country.

Silver Birch

This variety is a common one that can grow anywhere from 40-80 feet tall. You will mostly find these in their native lands, Asia and Europe. They are very recognizable with a silvery-white bark that is very paper-like. It can be peeled off of the trunk. 

Cherry Birch

These are typically found on the east coast of The U.S. They have a brownish-red bark and bright yellow leaves. Many people find them extremely beautiful. They usually grow anywhere from 40 to 70 feet tall and can uniquely grow in partial sun and partial shade environments. 

Paper Bark (Or White) Birch

Found in Northern North America, this type of birch tree can grow as short as 45 feet and as tall as 100 feet. They produce an extremely white colored bark that resembles paper. It’s thin and will peel easily off the trunk. Native Americans used the bark to make things like small boats and shoes.

Yellow Birch

This variety will most likely live to 150 years old but may also live as old as 300 years; that is a long life compared to many other birches. Yellow Birches are native to Northeastern North America and grow around 50-80 feet. Represented in the name, this tree has a beautiful yellow bark with a slight bronze tint to it. 

Tips For Growing Birch Trees Properly

1. Always plant birch trees at least 5-7 feet apart. Even though they are best grown in groups, they must still have adequate room to grow and form healthy roots without the risk of them strangling each other. 
2. Pick the most well-suited location. Birch trees need to receive full sun at the top near the branches and leaves, but they must also be shaded toward the roots to keep the soil moist. It can be tricky to find an area that fits those requirements. 
3. Take care of your birch trees. They have pretty full foliage that will need to be trimmed and pruned with time. In groups, the canopies of birch trees can tangle and brush up against one another. This can damage the limbs. Also, If they are not properly trimmed and pruned, they can be a fire hazard, especially in the summertime and being planted in large groups. 
4. Pay attention to the type of birch trees you decide to plant. Some varieties have double trunks, which need more space to grow. There are also taller birches along with species that are half the height. They all need the correct amount of spacing based on their sizes. 

Final Thoughts

Birch trees are loved by many for how aesthetically pleasing and beautiful they are. With such thin and brightly colored trunks, they are visually more appealing to look at when planted in groups. There are many varieties of Birch trees, and most of them grow better when planted in groups of at least three.

They protect each other and keep each other from growing too tall and becoming out of hand. Birch trees also provide each other shade for their roots to remain healthy in moist soil. Of course, proper pruning and trimming maintenance is essential, especially for residential birch trees near homes.

They must also be planted in locations that allow them to receive full sun on their foliages. Overall, birch trees aren’t too complicated to plant and grow, especially when planted in groups as they should be. With any challenge that may arise with growing them, their beauty will far outweigh it. Their stunning colors and looks are worth it.