Tree
Silver birch
Betula pendula
A full-sized deciduous tree with pale peeling bark, fine twigs and a light open crown. Its graceful habit needs generous space for a mature tree, not a small ornamental-tree position.
- Size
- 15–25 m high · 8–12 m wideVaries by cultivar
- Light
- Full sun / Partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Winter
- Very hardy
- Seasonal form
- Deciduous
- Maintenance
- Low
Before planting
- Plan for a tree up to 25 metres tall with a broad crown and extensive root area.
- Do not place it where a small garden tree is required or where the mature crown will be crowded.
Why choose it
- Combines distinctive pale bark with a light, moving canopy.
- Creates a graceful naturalistic tree silhouette without casting very dense shade.
Care
- Water deeply while the tree establishes and during prolonged dry periods.
- Avoid unnecessary pruning and retain the natural open crown.
- If pruning is essential, choose an appropriate seasonal window to reduce sap bleeding.