Summary
Beautiful and distinct , river birch rod treesare show - stopping addition to yards and landscapes . While they do n’t generally need heavy pruning to prosper , many untested river birch cultivar may cry or sag , blocking paths or walkways .
Whether you ’re pruning to make your path or to correct problems with your Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , there are some factors to keep in idea when deciding when andhow to cut a river birch rod tree . By consider the time of year , which branches should be removed , and the cock you involve , you may learnhow to clip a river birch treewith confidence .
Tools You’ll Need
Essentials for Pruning A River Birch Tree
Keep all important tree trim tool in good condition , so you ’ll be ready to snip your river birch tree and other trees .
After you have gathered your tools , verify they are all in good condition . ensure that your loppers and shear are sharpen and rust - gratis . Clean your toolsandsharpen your shearsand pruner if necessary .
Prune at the Right Time of Year
Knowhow and when to prune a river birch tree
Unlike yield trees , which should broadly speaking bepruned in early saltation , you shouldprune your river birch rod in later fall or wintertime . If you prune river birch rod in springiness , it will " run , " or leak large amount of sap from the cuts . The idealistic time to prune your river birch is when it is inactive .
Know Which Branches to Prune on Your River Birch
Some branches should be removed for the health of the tree
When pruning your river birch rod , you should follow the same oecumenical strategy used for trim most tree . Remember to make cuts right above bud or branches . Any kernel without branches or buds coming off of them will die back to the penny-pinching bud .
Branches to take
How to identify them
Dead branches
Dead branches are more brittle than living branches , even when the tree is inactive .
patsy
Image credits:Jorge Salcedovia Shutterstock
These offshoot grow up from the root or fundament of the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . Unless you are train your tree to grow as a clump , these can be removed .
ramification with narrow-minded crotch angles
branch that are growing at less than a 45 - degree angle to the master trunk may be vulnerable to breaking in windstorm . Removing them decreases the chance of harm to the tree .
branch that scratch or cross
When branches cut across or chafe on each other , it damage the tree diagram . take away the smaller or less hefty of the crossbreed arm . Also , remove branches that are likely to traverse other branches soon .
ramification that obstruct driveway or paseo
believe how you use your yard and track and dispatch branches that prevent car or people from passing through .
Also , thin out any spot where the tree ’s ramification are so thick that light and flow of air are compromised . If leave-taking ca n’t get light or right airflow , they ’re vulnerable to diseases . By thinning out these section , you ’ll improve the overall health of your tree diagram .
Consider the Shape You Want
Know how to prune a river birch clump for a natural shape
Ariver birch tree often forms a clump with multiple trunks , but river birch can also be condition to have a single luggage compartment . Clemson Cooperative Extensionnotes that river birch rod with single trunks incline to have an oval shape when they are young and a pyramidal conformation once they are ripe . A multi - trunked river birch , on the other hand , by and large develops an temporary crown . Keep your Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ’s natural shape in creative thinker when lop .
Do n’t " top " or otherwise remove the entire top circumstances of river birch or other trees . Topping trees can make serious and longsighted - term problems for the plants .
Know When to Call a Professional
Contact a professional arborist, if you need help with your river birch
River birch Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree can grow to over 60 feet tall , with a spreading of 40 substructure . While trimming unseasoned river birch tree can be manageable for many home gardeners , for large and ripe trees , you may want to look at hiring a professional to clip your river birch rod . This is particularly the font if your tree is near index lines or other potential safety hazards .
TheUniversity of Minnesota Extensionrecommends engage a professional arborist who is either certify by the International Society of Arboriculture , or a member of the American Society of Consulting Arborists , or the Tree Care Industry Association . Always ensure your tree care professional carries policy .
Bring on Decades of Beauty
A river birch , be it a multi - trunked clump or a exclusive trunk , can make a beautiful addition to your yard and cater multi - time of year interestingness thanks to its typical peeling barque . While young river birch ’s drooping arm can kibosh paths , thoughtful pruning can keep your tree diagram healthy and prevent it from immobilize walkways . By in good order learninghow to clip a river birch tree , you’ll be able to enjoy it for many years to come .
Image credits:Jorge Salcedovia Shutterstock
