As the name implies, a river birch’s native habitat is near river banks, so they prefer moist soil. However, they can tolerate drier soil as the tree matures and the roots become well-established.

Also do not prune in spring, as it will actively harm birch trees. ‘They are pumping materials through the xylem (and phloem), if pruned, they will “bleed” excessively, potentially attracting disease ...

A number of conifers are candidates for the Official Evergreen of Winter, but among the leaf-shedding shade trees there is just one superstar, the birch tree with its peeling snow-white bark.

A fairly fast-growing tree, river birch can reach a height of 70 feet or more. Native throughout the eastern U.S., it is typically found on the banks of rivers and streams as well as in floodplains.

Fast growing, a mature river birch can reach a height of 70 feet. Heritage will grow about 30 inches or more each year in colder climates, and even faster in the south.