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Choosing a birch tree variety for beds
Hi all - I'm currently trying to choose a birch tree to put in a new raised garden bed I've built. The bed is a metre in depth, very wide and goes down into the earth (not on top of concrete or anything). It lines our fence and I want to add some privacy, and birch trees fit the look i'm after (plus my other half loves them!)
I've found that there are so many varieties though, and one place will say a particular variety is suited for beds and smaller gardens, while others say something else. I'm drawn towards the varieties with the lighter bark, and have a list of what seems to fit the bill and is in stock with some nurseries I use below. However when I check with RHS they are seem to have a similar final height, so I'm wondering in reality are all birch trees going to be as suitable as others for smaller environments as long as I keep pruning in check? Isn't the border always going to dictate the size of the tree in the end?
It'd also be great to know if someone has an opinion on any of the below.
I've found that there are so many varieties though, and one place will say a particular variety is suited for beds and smaller gardens, while others say something else. I'm drawn towards the varieties with the lighter bark, and have a list of what seems to fit the bill and is in stock with some nurseries I use below. However when I check with RHS they are seem to have a similar final height, so I'm wondering in reality are all birch trees going to be as suitable as others for smaller environments as long as I keep pruning in check? Isn't the border always going to dictate the size of the tree in the end?
It'd also be great to know if someone has an opinion on any of the below.
Betula Snow Queen
Betula Moonbeam
Betula Trinity College
Betula Silver Shadow
Betula Tristis
Betula pendula
Thanks!
Thanks!
0
Posts
Many garden around here have them and once they get too tall people have the tops cut off making them look ridiculous.
One of the best examples I saw was a property that had 3 birches planted about 6-8 ft apart in a triangle in the front garden.
Whilst they were reasonably mature they weren't that high - probably about 20ft.
I did know the variety, but have long since forgotten.
I can remember they had a very white bark though and they looked great.
Planting a group of trees closely will limit the final height somewhat - if you have the space for 3.
Billericay - Essex
Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Such a lovely tree and the sound as they move in the wind is a bonus.
Betula pendula 'Youngii' seems about the shortest but it has a distinct form which may not be what you have in mind.
I think this is the display from Anglesey Abbey-
If you do a google search you can indeed see the gardeners cleaning the bark with a pressure washer!
Billericay - Essex
Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Another method of keeping a tree small is to carry out root pruning every few years.
Not something I've ever done, but may be worth investigating.
Billericay - Essex
Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.