The river birch is native to the United States and grows along the Mississippi River and in the southeastern United States. The tree's most distinctive feature is its flaky red and white bark. The river birch prefers dry soils, although, as the name suggests, it can grow in wetter soils near rivers. It can grow up to 70 feet tall and 40 feet wide. The best time to prune the river birch is from late February to early March, before the tree has started spring growth.
Instructions
1. Check the tree carefully for signs of damaged or bruised limbs.
2. Cut damaged limbs at their intersection with the main branch, using the hand saw or small clippers depending on the size of the branch. Cut diseased limbs in the same manner.
3. Disinfect pruning tools after cutting diseased limbs by spraying with a 1:10 solution of bleach to water. Dry thoroughly before continuing.
4. Trim back old growth 2 to 3 inches to stimulate new growth.
5. Remove suckers and water sprouts. With a mature tree, cut any low-lying branches that hang below 5 feet' to encourage the tree to grow tall.
Tags: trim, river, birch, river birch, diseased limbs, United States
