This column is offered as an extension service by the Division of Extension and Community Relations and the Department of Horticultural Science, University of Saskatchewan.
Few trees are more attractive than the stately birch.
The weeping birch and paper birch are native to areas that are cool, moist and sheltered from strong winds. In their native state, they are found on sandy to silty loam soils. Because their root systems are shallow, these trees do poorly under prolonged drought conditions. If your site offers a hostile environment to birches, consider growing another type of tree to avoid the frustrations associated with growing birches under adverse conditions. Birch trees in Saskatchewan are susceptible to dieback, a condition that leads to general deterioration and eventual death of the trees if it is not controlled.