Betula Pendula Fastigiata, Upright Silver Birch Tree Options Explained
100-150cm: 3L pot, 1-2 years old.
150-180cm: 12L pot, 2-3 years old, usually half standard.
180-240cm: 12-15L pot, 2-4 years old, usually half standard.
Betula Pendula Fastigiata, Upright Silver Birch Tree
This deciduous birch has been described as a specimen tree which doesn't mean you take a piece of it to the doctors when they ask you to fill a little plastic cup. A specimen tree has several definitions but they usually amount to it being compared to a weight-lifting Miss Universe i.e. having strong beautiful characteristics. Others describe it as similar to injuries sustained when walking too close to it i.e. eye-catching features. Yet more others compare them to canines winning Britains Got Talent i.e. distinctive bark. Unbelievably, even more others compare them to Shakespeare being played in a field i.e. brings drama to a landscape.
Having a very columnar shape, it is ideal for those gardeners that have small feet because the nursery tell us it grows in a small foot-print. It is no good if you have birds with bad eyesight because there is considerably less landing margin of error with narrower trees. This is a popular choice for avenue planting and screening.
It is expected to have a 10 year height and width of around 8 x 2.5 but could go on to be 15 x 3 and a growth rate of 30-60cm a year. As with most of us, it will likely spread a little more when compared to its youth.
The triangular to diamond-shaped leaves look similar to diamond-shaped triangles and taste a lot like leaves. We advise not using these to make any sort of survival shelter if you have the choice of going indoors instead. The leaves have serrated edges but if you cannot see them then it might be autumn and none on the tree even though the Upright Silver Birch tree hangs on to the leaves for longer than most other Betula. They will be a bright green in the spring and summer and a distinctive yellow in the autumn. If you want to see a bright shade of red then throw them over your neighbour's fence and watch their face.
As with most Silver Birch, the bark takes a few years to turn white but well worth the weight......you put on while sat in the garden eating junk food eager for the appearance of white bark.As with your gran, fissures appear with age and no amount of moisturiser or anti-ageing cream will stop them. These distinctive characteristics become even more prominent in autumn when the foliage drops.
Catkins appear in early spring before the foliage and can attract wildlife.
Planting Betula Pendula Fastigiata, Upright Silver Birch Tree
Prefers moist well-draining soils that is slightly acidic to neutral but will tolerate poor, sandy or clay soils. For best results plant in full sun but will tolerate partial shade. Until well established provide water but once established the Betula Fastigiata is somewhat drought resistant. Will tolerate exposed sites and urban pollution.
Pruning Betula Pendula Fastigiata, Upright Silver Birch Tree
Minimal pruning requirements but always remove dead, diseased and crossing-over branches. Best done in late summer or autumn.
Random Information About Betula Pendula Fastigiata, Upright Silver Birch Tree
A very common and popular tree on the tree nursery "common and popular" aisle.
An excellent tree to buy if you are looking for a birch, that is upright and has Fastigiata in the name.
The columnar shape allows a lot of light into the garden because you can hang torches on it.
Ornamental Tree Roots In The Shade e.g. Behind A Fence
It is more important that that foliage (posh term for leaves) receives the sunlight than the roots. So if the canopy of your ornamental tree can sunbathe but the bottom of your tree thinks there has been a nuclear winter then that is ok. You might want to ensure you have good drainage as water and no sun is the start of algae and other such issues.
Do I Need To Stake My Ornamental Tree?
Our article on Tree Staking should help guide you.
Planting In The Corner Of A Garden
Air and light is reduced in this location which could promote fungus and bacterial issues. If the corner is of the house and a fence then you also have leeching issues to contend with from cement and wood preservatives. Also when it rains, that area would experience higher water levels so we advise against it unless the plant is very hardy.
