- 1). Plant birch trees on north-facing slopes to provide the cooler environment they require. Grow river birch in poorly drained soils where other trees do not thrive, as they tolerate wet roots. Paper birch requires well-drained sites that aren't prone to sogginess.
- 2). Remove any grass or sod in the root zone, which extends out about as far as the canopy of the tree. Birch has shallow roots and does not compete with other plants.
- 3). Lay a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch, such as bark chips, in the cleared root zone area. Mulching preserves moisture and helps keep the birch's roots cool in hot weather.
- 4). Water birch trees during extended dry periods or when there is no rainfall for two to three weeks. Water deeply once a week, thoroughly wetting the root zone. Irrigate with approximately 3 to 6 inches of water at the base of the tree. Water only during extended dry periods in winter when temperatures are above freezing.
- 5). Treat birch trees, particularly river birch, with 10 lbs. of sulfur per every 100 square feet of root zone if they are suffering from iron deficiency. Iron deficient trees have yellow leaves with dark green veins.
- 6). Check the birch trunk for small holes and chewed leaves that signify that gypsy moth caterpillars are infesting the tree. Wrap the base of the trunk with a burlap sack and pick the caterpillars from the burlap and destroy them when they shelter in the burlap.
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