Susceptible to bronze birch borer, especially when grown in stressful conditions. The borer can kill large branches or even the entire tree. Also susceptible to birch leaf miner. Not tolerant of compacted soils, drought, or areas with high soil or air temperatures. B. pendula - European White Birch has a very clean white bark.
Branches are fine and often quite pendulous.
Unfortunately this species and its cultivars are extremely susceptible to the bronze birch borer. B. platyphylla var. Whitespire Birch has a narrow pyramidal crown and excellent white bark. Has good tolerance to high temperatures and does well under a wide range of soil types. Introduced for its good resistance to the bronze birch borer.