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Silver Birch (betula pendula)
£0.91
- Hardiness: Fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerant to -20°C or lower; native species, highly adaptable to British climates including exposed sites.
- Site: Full sun to partial shade for best bark display and autumn colour; tolerates exposed, windy positions; fast-growing graceful tree requiring ample space (matures 15–25m tall, weeping habit).
- Soil: Prefers moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil; highly tolerant of poor, acid, neutral, or alkaline soils including sand, loam, clay, chalk; avoid waterlogged or very dry conditions.
- Planting time: Bare-root November to March (dormant season); container-grown ideally autumn or spring.
- Planting method: Dig a wide hole (twice root spread width); incorporate organic matter if soil is poor; plant at the same depth as in the nursery (soil mark on stem, avoid deep planting); stake young trees if necessary; mulch base and water thoroughly.
- Watering: Water regularly during the first 1–2 years to keep soil moist, especially in dry periods; once established, tolerant of moderate drought but prefers consistent moisture.
- Maintenance: Low; minimal pruning which should only be done in late summer/autumn to avoid sap bleed; no regular feeding needed; effective in groups or as multi-stemmed specimen.