Not All Birches are the Same

Many white birch trees suffer damage from the bronze birch borer, a destructive pest. However, long term research at Ohio State University has proven that the bronze birch borer can be managed, and white barked birch trees can be successful in the landscape.

Proper plant health care is the key to effective insect management. Providing for the well-being of plants is a critical step in successful landscape design. Birch trees planted in sites to which they are not adapted will be stressed, inviting borer attack.

For example, the paper birch tree is an ecological pioneer species requiring full sun. Planting them in the shade may cause as much stress as a long drought.
In 1979, Ohio State University began following 1,200 trees of seven birch species, including European white birch, Asian species and three species native to our region: paper birch, gray or white spire birch, and river birch.

The results were striking. All European and Asian species were killed by 1999. The native species fared much better. The river birch, especially, which achieved a 98% survival rate. The success of the native species was remarkable, occurring in the face of several severe droughts and massive borer outbreaks over the 20-year study. The tested trees were also without the benefit of irrigation or insecticide controls.

We believe that with proper siting and care, the attractive white birch tree could stage a comeback in this region.