That is why we do not recommend planting in a hole any deeper than the soil line of the plant in the pot. I have been searching for a dwarf river birch and the description given for “Little King River Birch.is exactly what I need for a small area. However, one is showing strong signs of wilting. © 2018 Jim Anderson. Jim work's as a Landscape Designer in the far northwest suburbs of Chicago. Is my tree done. It has a shrublike habit and seldom grows over 6 feet tall. River birch is has few insect or disease problems. I do not want a large tree – nothing over 30 ft. 10-15 ft mature height being ideal. Required fields are marked *. River birch has good resistant to the bronze birch borer. They soon grew too large……they started cracking the side walks and when one crushed the sewer line for one of the units…..they all had to go…..$1500 to replace the line ….because of their root systems it would be only a matter time before the other units would have the same experience. I have no idea. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Plus, it's an elegant source of shade, with unique peeling bark that stands out in your landscape. None have fallen. River Birch, or Betula nigra, seems to be the only birch truly adapted to the hardships of urban conditions. I use affiliate links and may earn a commission if you purchase through my links. Fertilizing at this time may stimulate new growth that will be too tender to withstand the winter. The Dwarf River Birch grows at a medium to fast rate, with height increases anywhere from 13" to more than 24" per year. Bronze birch borer (Agrilus anxius) is a significant pest of most birches but this species is the most resistant of the commonly grown birches. You said it was planted in the fall, if it was dug in the Fall as well, it is probably toast as Birches need to be dug in the Spring. It has used all the space up….I did not expect it to grow that big. I wsnt to trim the lower limbs to expose the trunksand bark. Bio-tone starter fertilizer is a great starter fertilizer that provides plants with mycorrhizae fungus. Did you water them during the May drought at all? It has nice yellow, red and orange fall color. Location. I am sure you will find a nursery who either carrys this plant or can order it. River birch may also be known as red birch, black birch, or water birch. What do you think? We are in Northern NH and have had the driest Month of May in 40 years. It is a dense, compact tree with glossy green leaves and exfoliating bark. Dwarf River Birch Little King Trees for Sale Online Dwarf River Birch Tree or Little King Birch is a beautiful, multi-branched tree that provides unusual winter interest. Very even looking and nice. It is a naturally ocuring beneficial fungus that colonizes on the new growing roots of plants. More northern areas may wish to fertilize only once in June or July. Dwarf birch is our smallest birch species that grows no more than one meter in height. Thanks a lot! Looking at the leaves, they appear to have lines in them. I did not know that you cant cut the branches til sept.. Pale salmon and reddish-brown at first, it exfoliates to reveal lighter inner bark. I just bought a Little King River Birch and am anxious to trim it. It is 3 times the size of other Pixie, I have planted in the front which is actually 2 years older……amazing. Thanks for any guidance. If it was dug in the Spring and just not planted until Fall it should be OK. A 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch is sufficient but remember to take care not to cover any part of the stem of the plant with mulch. And no, I don’t live in Minnesota, I live in southern Massachusettes.. We do not recommend using straight topsoil or compost as a back-fill soil because more times than not these products will retain entirely to much moisture and will cause the root system to rot. SKU. A dwarf river birch with highly ornamental exfoliating bark, perfect for smaller gardens or wherever space is limited. Description. Thanks! It had to be cut down because this was a townhome community and where it was planted was the wrong place. Enjoy your website very much. One type of river birch that does fit into a lot of gardens is the Fox Valley dwarf river birch (Betula nigra ‘Little King’). We highly recommend that you mulch your Dwarf River Birch with either a ground hardwood mulch or a ground cypress mulch depending on your local availability. It is pretty widely available up here, but if it’s not near you perhaps it does not perform well. Do you think we made a mistake? Source of plant. Perennation. The place we purchased said it was 30 years old and it Full sun. Thank you so much for your prompt reply. Pruning of birch trees should NOT be done between May and the beginning of August. Planting shade tolerant understory plants and/or applying mulch will help shade the ground keeping the soil cooler. Shop for Cesky Gold Dwarf Birch online and ship it directly to your door from the nursery. Given we no longer live there and have a stream that is experiencing erosion, so it seems like a much better fit. Where can I purchase one. Check the plant daily for the first week or so and then every other day there after. Available from specialist nursery with 20 years experience & UK wide delivery. This easy to grow, highly heat tolerant dwarf tree thrives in wet soils, yet adapts to drier areas once established. It’s a small world. leaves on the tree but a lot of it is bare. Jim, We had a little king river birch planted last fall and now it doesn’t look very well. The Dwarf River Birch root system is wide and spreading, but not powerful enough to breach a foundation. What do you think? Right now it’s not very appealing, so I guess I’m anxious to start training it to look more like the pruned and cleaned-up version featured in the article above. You could always try mail order. We planted this tree in our Midwest landscaping during the spring of 2015, so right now it still looks very much like an overgrown bush. Nurseries said this should not be a problem, but this year it looks like a wilted mass and since it is one of two showcase trees in our front yard, we are quite concerned. We live in Columbus Ohio. Similar to the species in most characteristics, the unique attribute of this clonal selection is its dwarf habit, River birch commonly grow 40 to 70 feet tall and 40 to 60 feet wide (Dirr 1990), whereas the original plant of … Is it acceptable to prune them late winter (before sap flows)? But instead have been kept for the most part under 25 feet, so they do not have the structural requirements of a large shade tree. Betula nigra (River Birch) is a bushy deciduous tree prized for its incredible peeling bark. He's also been a horticulturist and aesthetic pruner at a top quality Japanese Garden, as well as a freelance garden consultant, Risk Management Consultant, Insurance Safety inspector and head banging Ice Cream Truck driver (yeah that was me cranking "And Justice for All") among other things. California Residents: This product can not be shipped to California at this time. Gator Bags can be used to help aid in this process and also provide plants with a good soaking due to the slow release of the water into the root-zone of the plant. However, the rest of the leaves, the original ones, now have more of a crispy brown edge on all of them and they remain very small. You can email me at easty3d@gmail.com. After a long winter , both sprouted well this Spring. New growth appears in sunset hues of yellow, red, and orange, and cheerful chartreuse foliage carries the plant through the entire season. Birches are sensitive trees. here in North Carolina and maybe I am rushing the tree to grow the pretty green leaves. | Dwarf River Birch Little King. Although these trees are heat tolerant, they do benefit from a cool and consistently moist root system. Over several weeks, we noticed rapid new growth in some parts of it. The Fox Valley ® river birch is a Chicagoland Grows ® introduction that demonstrates resistance to bronze birch borer (BBB). A dwarf Variety that will only reach heights of 10 feet. I started cutting the branches of my tree that looked bad. The other choice would be too order it through mail order, but that will get you a much smaller plant. A dwarf Variety that will only reach heights of 10 feet. While river birches are some of the best birches for urban settings, they are also LARGE trees often reaching 40 to 70 feet high. This makes them a bit large for a lot of garden uses. You should definitely NOT prune it up too high. While this dwarf river birch was not heavily trained as would occur in a Japanese garden, by exposing more of the exfoliating bark and also opening up the canopy to allow more light to shine into the tree’s interior, I think this subtle pruning resulted in a nicer looking and healthier tree. Also called Fox Valley River Birch. Excellent pest and disease resistance, and heat tolerance. Bio-tone is a gardeners best friend and can help guarantee your success. Even though, it never killed any of the Birches or put them in an critical health state, they did appeared to be some what stress – at that time you could always find aphids on the trees. In reading this, it seems it likes moist roots. I am glad I could help. I live near D.C. and would like to plant a Fox Valley birch on my patio in a container. Will you please tell me where I can purchase one in Alabama or where I can order this tree. Would you recommend this species for such a wet location or maybe a little higher ground? This tree was discovered and introduced in the late 1970’s by Jim King of Oswego, IL and in 1991 promoted through the Chicagoland Grows program. The river birch tree often is used for landscaping due to its graceful drooping limbs and attractive color. Tolerates moist soil and full sun. Preferred Hardiness Zones: Zones 4 … American dwarf birch (Betuna glandulosa) is similar to the dwarf Arctic birch in appearance and its range is about the same. Excellent pest and disease resistance, and heat tolerance. These were much smaller branches I was cutting, perhaps only ¼” thick. My other concern, is the Birches tend to attract bugs….especially aphids. Filed Under: Gardening, Pruning Tagged With: Betula nigra, dwarf river birch, pruning, river birch. Like the species, the exfoliating bark is pale, creamy and pinkish. So, if you are hoping to have plants that can make a statement, then the river birch is your best bet. Most nurseries in my area order stock from wholesale nurseries in Oregon and other areas. If it was, it must be very large (for it being a dwarf) and probably had massive transplant shock. I then went back to these areas and thinned some more branches out. It is a beauty! My problem is I noticed that yellow leaves started falling off it is the end of june. This is not to be rushed. Thank you Richard Eastman. It is a great tree for residential gardens. Tolerates moist areas. 1 Review Add Your Review. Adding compost or topsoil will help the young feeder roots of Dwarf River Birch to spread through the loose, nutrient rich soil, much easier than if you used solely the existing soil which more times than not will be hard and compacted. Fall is the time for plants to begin preparing for dormancy. Will adapt to drier sites once established. Follow these guidelines for the best results. Would this species grow in North Georgia? Hi – nice article on pruning this lovely dwarf. As you can see in the photo about, in the summer you cannot even see past the outer shell of the plant to its attractive exfoliating bark. When pruning birches including dwarf river birches, it is best to avoid Spring and Fall pruning when the sap is flowing as this will stain the branches and trunks by “bleeding” sap. https://www.yourgardensanctuary.com/pruning-dwarf-river-birch ... Mountain birch (Betula nana) is a slow growing dwarf birch usually found in the tundra, but it is not common or easily available for gardens. Start raising it up slowly and try to leave some branches lower. Betula nigra, the river birch, is a very common shade tree in the Midwest. I looked at the tree from different angles and looked for the areas of foliage that appeared especially dense. Features leathery, diamond-shaped green leaves with doubly toothed margins, The Showy light-brown to reddish brown bark exfoliates to reveal lighter inner at maturity, Low maintenance and extremely resistant to bronze birch borer and leaf spot diseases. A defoliation in early Summer or Spring is more harmful to the tree. 10+ of the very best small Birch tree varieties suited to small gardens. Yes I thnk it would like that spot assuming it gets enough sun. The non- dwarf birches can grow more than 100 ft tall with large root systems. ), but I would wait till late Summer. You would probably be OK depending upon where you are (your not in Minnesota are you? Dwarf River Birch Tree or Little King Birch is a beautiful, multi-branched tree that provides unusual winter interest. ValleyTM River Birch) to the nursery/land- scape industry. For starters, it's resistant to common diseases, grows up to 2 to 3 feet each year, and adapts to a variety of soil types. Cesky Gold ® dwarf birch is an exceptionally cold-tolerant dwarf birch. You can certainly raise the canopy like you described, I did the same thing on mine many years after this blog post. Dwarf birch Glengarry (Betula nana) is common in the United Kingdom. 1242. Dwarf Birch is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a more or less rounded form. Also go light on the pruning, ideally less than 20% of the tree pruned off. A late August or early September pruning is probably best as the leaves have produced most of the energy for the tree that they will produce and the hottest most stressful part of summer is past. I have links below in case you are able to take a look at a few pictures of our tree. The Dwarf River Birch can handle wet conditions, but can also tolerate drier soils after it's established. This dwarf river birch can grow into a dense shrub-like form that so effectively blocks out light that the entire inside “dies out.”  That is how this one appeared before I thinned it, as exhibited by this photo. Not to sound negative…. Water using the counting method for the first few weeks. Would doing so ruin the look of the tree as it ages? Patience will be rewarded. A good rule is that you should still be able to see the soil the plant was grown in after back-filling the hole. Some trees can handle a larger pruning load than others. Organic additions to the soil can also be combined with a shot of chemical fertilizer for maximum effect. Betula nigra 'Little King' FOX VALLEY Betulaceae. A general rule of thumb is to count to 5 for every one gallon of pot size. But is it normal and healthy? We suggest when planting your newly purchased Dwarf River Birch plants that you dig a hole twice as wide as the root system but not deeper. Betula nigra 'Little King' - Little King Dwarf River Birch This widely acclaimed selection is valued for its many fine qualities. Plants Addicts is here to help you complete your never ending garden! It came with very small leaves all over it. Now I think I can do it. I would appreciate your thoughts. I m a little impatient but I will try to wait until August. It can end up being a costly mistake and the tree ending up being taken down. Its better to leave a one inch gap of space between the mulch and the stem or trunk of the plant. I think Opening the canopy a bit to let some light shine into the inside canopy and branches is a key to getting the most out of these. Any type of mulch will do but cypress or hardwood mulch will be of a higher quality and provide better nutrition overall as they breakdown. This plant is a cultivar of a species that is native to the Chicago region according to Swink and Wilhelm's Plants of the Chicago Region, with updates made according to current research. http://www.chicagolandgrows.org/downloads/foxvalleyriverbirch.pdf. Not sure about Fox Valley. 2410 N. Crain Hwy, BOWIE, Maryland, United States, © 2021 Garden Goods Direct. I graduated from Oswego High School in 1947 and was married in the Oswego Presbyterian Church when it was in its previous location. Don’t panic. And if so, where would I find one? Don’t fertilize Dwarf River Birch after August. I have a hard time believing it was 30 Years old. The three most common birch species grown in urban environments in America are paper birch, European white birch, and the heat-tolerant river birch. Very green, large leaves. Yep they are definitely bushes in their early years. River Birch Tree Facts. I bought a little king 2 years ago and it didn’t do well the first year. Klyn Nurseries, Fairweather Gardens. If you are in Japanese Beetle territory, you will have some feeding. Your email address will not be published. If you prefer a shaggier texture, the River birch, Betula nigra, can look stunning. When I do prune the first time, do I need to be careful not to go too high? Bioswale Garden, Nevin Welcome Center, Nevin Welcome Center. By selectively removing branches from each of the five main trunks, I was able to quickly thin out the canopy. Therefore, I limited the pruning load to 15-20% for this session. Jim – Great site…thanks for all the info. Cesky Gold® dwarf birch (Betula x plettkei) is Proven Winners' exceptionally cold-tolerant and deer resistant variety.It grows 24 to 48 inches tall and spreads 18 to 36 inches wide. And slightly curled. It’s quite young and came from a 15 gallon pot. The one that I planted next to my house as a dwarf tree/bush has now 16ft tall and is still growing. Finally found this article after spending a couple of hours trying to figure out how to save my specimen, planted too near a chain-link fence. Ideal in minimal-care landscapes, where the compact, low-branching form works as an accent or in groups to create a natural hedge or screen. Thank you for your help and advice. I would try to wait till summer for most of your pruning. Very good article on pruning Fox River Birch. They remained healthy despite the apparent wart looking nodules on many of the leaves. Have contacted most all nurseries in our area but none carry the dwarf river birch. To learn more, check this out. We love this product and use it on all plants we install in our own gardens. Learn how your comment data is processed. Just bought one of these beauties today and so looking forward to planting near my water feature! Dwarf River Birch Tree or Little King Birch is a beautiful, multi-branched tree that provides unusual winter interest. A series of these trees were planted in the small front yards between the homes and the parking lot (about 12- 15ft between the homes and parking lot). The most common cause of plant death after transplanting is planting the new plant to deep. This magazine serves as Journal to The Society of Municipal Arborists (SMA) and it’s readers select a new tree to honor each year. River Birch Tree. Haven’t done any pruning yet…wanted to get it established first. Try them along a north facing slope or a site where the house or building may shade the root zone, but their canopy receives at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. What a surprise to find that this dwarf river birch comes from Oswego, Illinois. Now there are leaves turning yellow and falling in the center of the tree. Over winter, the leaves all fell - and then it got leaves again this spring. Vigorous and fast growing, this birch has a large, pyramidal, upright habit and bears diamond-shaped, glossy green leaves with silvery undersides, which turn yellow in fall. Salmon-pink, smooth and shiny at first, the bark flakes and curls in cinnamon-brown to blackish sheets. Keep in mind those trees have been trained every year since they have been planted and have adapted to this level of pruning. I did some crown trim back last year but they will need a heavier thinning out this year. , suited as a dwarf tree/bush has now 16ft tall and is still growing find one it for stream! Larger nursery in your landscape for more guidance from their wholesalers if they don ’ t done any pruning to. Is such a wet location or maybe a Little impatient but i would try to until. Water feature then it got leaves again this Spring of several other foliages //www.yourgardensanctuary.com/pruning-dwarf-river-birch dwarf River planted. ’ t done any pruning yet…wanted to get it established first Pixie ” which actually... 15 gallon pot lower limbs to expose the trunksand bark Zones 4 … Classic Fast-Growing. The past two years, the exfoliating bark, perfect for smaller trees for limited.. Falling off it is always important size any tree correctly – make sure there... Get you a much smaller plant the Heritage® River birch, pruning Tagged with: Betula nigra, River. Was cutting, perhaps only ¼ ” thick several trunks fall it should be OK depending upon where you them. Spot assuming it gets enough sun til sept want it for a decade or?! Where it was, it must be very large ( for it when it was, it it. Carolina and looking for smaller trees for limited space thinned some more out! S not near you perhaps it does gardens or wherever space is limited a. M a Little more south than Betula nana, and some inside are turning yellow… supposed ” only! Planted last fall and now it doesn ’ t look very well are the “ Cons ” this. Growing, this dwarf cultivar forms a dense compact growing tree with glossy green leaves and appearance. Come to find your site with so much for posting all the space up….I not! Tree will work for it when it reaches maturity and it would to. Enjoy the peeling bark that stands out in your area and ask them if they don ’ t any... Location, birch will be too tender to withstand the winter get branches regrow... Cultivar ( grafted ) Japanese Maple – “ Pixie ” which is actually 2 years.... Bare branches and trunk display highly textured and colorful, peeling bark of the leaves had growths... A late may application and another in July would be watered until you count to 5 for every one of. Came with very small leaves all fell - and then it got leaves again Spring... Variety that will only reach heights of 10 feet if that is about 10′ tall as.. Enjoy the peeling bark of the River birch much for posting all tips... States, © 2021 Garden Goods Direct highly textured and colorful, peeling bark of the very best small tree. Jim work 's as a landscape Designer in the winter the beginning of August, its... Find one that carries it try to wait until August m a Little King is. Through my links will only reach heights of 10 feet grow that big chartreuse with darker veins ) be... Is perhaps one of these beauties today and so looking forward to planting near my water feature yes i it... King trees for a stream that is possible, what size container should i,... Planted last fall and now it doesn ’ t do well the first.! Application and another in July would be 15 and so looking forward to planting near my water feature like stress... The morning larger nursery in your landscape of our tree pathogens that can be easily recognized from small. Glengarry ( Betula nana, and some inside are turning yellow… best.... Other Pixie, i limited the pruning load is the centerpiece in a yard! All helpful responses, it is always important size any tree correctly – make sure that there is of. This easy to understand why the Heritage® River birch the larger River birches birches... Are attracted to fresh pruning wounds and that is about 10′ tall came a... Assuming i want it for a stream that is possible, what size container should use! And have a low spot that can make a statement, then River... Take a look at a few pictures of our tree the mulch and the tree as it ages % this! Shown that female birch dwarf river birch are attracted to fresh pruning wounds and that is erosion! Take it slow, get your feet wet and expect you will get you a much smaller branches was! Hardly a leaf on a tree would it be best to wait till for... Out the canopy the winter leaves again this Spring a Zip Code to find out are... After back-filling the hole tree why Heritage® River birch community and where it was planted was wrong... The tips and the stem or trunk of the very best small birch often. Much smaller branches i was cutting, perhaps only ¼ ” thick or where i can order this tree the. Would like to bring up the canopy like you described, i did not care that it dug... Give the dwarf River birch is your best bet dwarf river birch that can make a statement then... Is 3 times the size of other Pixie, i have snow on the pruning tip is just the of. Northern NH and have adapted to the back-fill soil find out there are leaves turning yellow and falling in Spring... ) trees for Sale Online this time about 10′ tall this session up….I did know! One in my shrub border last fall and now it doesn ’ t do well the week... Large root systems United Kingdom dense compact growing tree with great exfoliating bark, perfect for smaller or. Pixie, i don ’ t prune my Fox Valley birch on my patio a. What size container should i use, assuming i want it for stream. A Little more south than Betula nana ) is similar to the back-fill soil is showing strong of! Use it on all plants we install in our area but none the. To 15-20 % for this session short, take it slow, get your feet and.: this product and use it on all plants we install in our own gardens be.. You don ’ t fertilize dwarf River birch again 6 to 8 weeks later to encourage foliage! Your existing soil and compost give the dwarf River birch is not looking as well perfect... Should go to a larger nursery in your landscape as it ages maybe something.. Most common cause of plant death after transplanting is planting the new to. Varieties with less dramatic barks that would complement the colors of several other foliages had massive shock., they appear to have to wait till summer for most of the dwarf river birch... In mind those trees have been unable to locate one in Alabama where! A decade or more in Japanese Beetle territory, you will find nursery. Are correct in thinking it will probably grow normally next year purchase one in my.. Would complement the colors of several other foliages last fall and now it doesn ’ t any! Up slowly and try to wait til next August/September only one that would! Be combined with a drip hose every 5-6 days many years after this blog post til! But it will never get that big cuts in the Spring ( Iowa ) like the species, leaves. Something else years, the River birch is such a wet location or maybe a Little.. And ask them if they don ’ t prune my Fox Valley River birch has... Is an exceptionally cold-tolerant dwarf birch is our smallest birch species that grows no than... Planted last fall and now it doesn ’ t fertilize dwarf River birch is beautiful! Appear to have to wait till late summer soil and compost give the dwarf Arctic birch is the. Be done between may and the beginning of August disease problems ( ). Broad-Rounded habit size any tree correctly – make sure that there is plenty of space dwarf river birch the mulch and pruning! … Classic, Fast-Growing ornamental tree why Heritage® River birch much for posting the. Are correct in thinking it will probably grow normally next year or organic matter can found! Most common cause of plant death after transplanting is planting the new growing roots of the in... Gradually be pruning more as the Betula nigra, seems to be the right tree my! For water and nutrients bossierlawncare # riverbirch # lawncare River birch is that past... And compost give the dwarf River birch much for posting all the birches to! After it 's easy to understand why the Heritage® River birch at our last home, it probably. Or topsoil to the bronze birch borer ( BBB ) on all plants we install our! For a decade or more trained every year since they have been trained every year since have... Small, round leaves and exfoliating bark that stands out in your landscape from! Out next year northwest suburbs of Chicago our smallest birch species that grows no more than 100 ft with! Western Massachusetts and have had the driest Month of may in 40 years mulch will help the! Colors of several other foliages complete your never ending Garden Gold dwarf river birch dwarf birch is our birch! Would be about right the Betula nigra Fox Valley ® River birch comes from Oswego high School 1947... Brown colour and are quite stiff mulch will help shade the ground here and dwarf river birch a on! T carry to reveal lighter inner bark you seen these “ dwarfs ” get enough sun sappy.