Birch trees are slender and elegant plants that can increase the attractivity of any garden. Indeed, besides their structure, these trees also exhibit peeling barks.
Additionally, they display vivid and gorgeous colors, depending on the variety. Furthermore, these trees are fast growers, making them the perfect choice for people needing to increase the looks of their gardens fast.
These plants are ideal for large properties since most birch tree varieties will grow between 60 and 70 feet tall and be about 40 feet wide at maturity. Despite their delicate looks, birch trees shed considerable shade, which might come in handy if you live in a region where summers tend to be hot.
But how can you add a birch tree to your landscape? If you are looking for some inspiration, you have landed in the right place. Keep reading this “Landscaping Ideas around birch trees” essential guide. It might help you have a clearer idea of what to do in your garden.
Add Ground Covers Around your Birch Trees
Because of the impressive shade most birch trees cast, the choice of plants you can add around them is, more often than not, pretty limited.
However, one of the best ways to increase the looks of your garden is to plant ground covers around the tree’s base. Besides creating a subtle backdrop to the tree and accentuating the aesthetic appeal of your birch, ground covers also might improve the soil conditions.
However, keep in mind that birch trees have shallow roots that might struggle to uptake nutrients and water with plants around.
Ideal choices include bugleweed, English Ivy foamflower, tickseed, European Wild Ginger, and creeping juniper. Don’t forget to choose plants appropriate to your USDA hardiness zone and soil conditions to get the best results.
Contrast Your Birch Tree’s Look with Evergreens
Birch trees are among the few types of plants that look stunning all year round. For some, winter accentuates their beauty by exposing their barks and attractive silhouettes. But while they are gorgeous on their own, you might want to increase the uniqueness of your landscape by contrasting your birch tree with an evergreen.
Planting a dark-leafed tree such as pine or hemlock, or even shrubs such as juniper or the boxwood will make your birch’s light-colored bare trunks even more attractive during the winter.
Don’t forget to space your plants adequately and give them enough space to thrive in your yard. Also, consider increasing the soil’s nutrient content by fertilizing your plants at least once per year.
Plant your Birch as a Specimen Tree
Because of the birch tree’s beauty and unique look, they work excellently as specimen trees. If you don’t know what they are, don’t worry. The word “specimen” comes from Latin and means “looking at the mark or “sign.”
So, in essence, specimen trees are plants that stand alone in the middle of your yard. Plant them in the center of your garden by themselves to make them the focus of interest in your yard. For impressive results, plant multi-trunk varieties in this setting.
For best results, identify where you want to locate your birch and consider whether the space is adequate to welcome its size at maturity. Don’t forget the birch trees tend to prefer the full sun. Also, consider amending your soil according to the variety of birch you intend to plant.
If you have walkways or driveways, you can also consider planting your birches along them to add a dramatic look to your entrance.
Your Birch Tree as a Foundation Plant
While specimen trees are the center of attention, foundation plants create the framework of your property. Birch trees perform excellently in such settings.
Consider planting them around your property’s boundaries to increase privacy without compromising the aesthetics. Alternatively, plant them at the side of your house to keep a clear vision of your facade while creating a unique-looking backdrop.
Also, planting a birch tree with other medium-sized plants contributes to balancing the looks of your yard and adding volume and texture to your garden, which changes with the season in a dramatic effect.
Increase colors in your garden by adding your birch tree in an ornamental setting
Yes, birch trees are gorgeous plants. However, they aren’t the most colorful ones. After all, while they produce blooms, they do not fall under the category of ornamental trees.
You can strategically locate your birch among flowering shrubs and bushes to brighten the area around your tree and create contrast with its elegant structure. Choose smaller varieties of birch trees for more dramatic effects.
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