The Michigan Homeowners Guide to Birch Trees

A lot of trees will thrive in southeastern Michigan, and this includes some of the most interesting and beautiful species around: the birches (Betula spp.). 

Well-known for the exfoliating (peeling) bark present in most species, birch trees not only provide shade and other resources, but they also add considerable visual appeal to residential and commercial properties alike. In fact, because most birch species have exfoliating bark, arborists often refer to them as “four-season” trees, given that they are still attractive in the winter, after shedding their leaves. 

Michigan is home to several native birch species, and many nonnative species and cultivars are commonly found within the Great Lakes State’s borders. We’ll share some of the basic information you need to know about birch trees below, so that you can provide the care they need.  

Michigan’s Native Birch Trees

There are dozens of birch tree species found worldwide, and they differ in countless ways. However, most (if not all) birches share a few key similarities. 

• Leaves: All birch trees have simple leaves, which are arranged in an alternating fashion along the twig. The leaves are either singly or doubly serrate, meaning they have “teeth” around their outer edge. And, in the case of doubly serrate leaves, the teeth have teeth. Most birch leaves turn yellow in the fall.  
• Flowers: Birches produce catkins — small, cylindrical flower clusters. Birches are monoecious, which means that each plant typically produces male and female flowers. The male catkins for birches are pendulous, but the female catkins sit upright. 
• Fruit: Birch trees produce small samaras, which consist of a tiny seed with papery wings. These seeds are released from the female catkins. 
• Bark: All birches have bark that’s covered in long, horizontal lenticels, which are essentially pores that enable gas exchange. Most (but not all) birch species produce exfoliating bark, which peels off into long, thin strips. Different birch species have differently colored bark.  

In terms of individual species, there are at least five that are native to Michigan. This includes the Murray birch — a federally endangered species, first discovered in our state. Most of these may be found growing naturally in commercial and residential properties, though some are only common in natural areas. 

Paper Birch

The most famous of all birches, the paper birch (Betula papyrifera) is a beautiful species that immediately catches the eye. Named for its characteristic flaky bark, which peels away in paper-like strips, this species is almost always a welcome addition to a landscape. And while it grows naturally in Michigan, it’s planted as an ornamental in many areas outside of its native range. 

Ecologically, paper birch is a pioneer species, meaning that it is often one of the first trees to start growing after an area is disturbed by fire, flood, or clear-cutting. 

Like most other pioneer trees, paper birch is a fast grower, and it is capable of growing 2 to 3 feet per year — especially when planted in cool areas with plenty of sunlight and deep, well-drained soils. The flip side to this is that paper birch shares another key trait with most pioneer trees: It’s very short-lived. Occasional individuals in the northern part of the species’ range may reach 100 years or more, but most of those in Michigan will live for about 30 to 50 years. 

In addition to being a beautiful landscape species, paper birch is also valuable to wildlife. Moose and deer feed heavily on its exfoliating bark, while a number of birds feed on its seeds. The species is also used by humans in erosion-control and reforestation projects. 

Yellow Birch

The tallest North American birch, the yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis) grows much taller than many of its relatives. It often reaches heights of 80 feet in ideal locations, and rare individuals may approach the 100-foot mark. In fact, it is sometimes appropriately called the “tall birch.” 

One of the most noteworthy characteristics of this species is its shiny, yellow-bronze bark, which gives the species its common name. This tree is capable of living a very long time by birch standards, with many individuals hitting the 150-year-old mark, and some living for as long as 300 years or more.    

This species strongly prefers relatively cool and damp growing locations, such as north-facing coves and river bottoms. These habitats are often full of eastern hemlocks (Tsuga canadensis), and the two trees often grow in close proximity to each other. 

An important wildlife species, the yellow birch not only provides habitat for nesting birds but also food for a variety of creatures, ranging from ruffed grouse to sapsuckers to moose to mourning cloak caterpillars. 

Mountain Paper Birch

The mountain paper birch (Betula cordifolia) is a tree that has been categorized in various ways over the years. Most botanists now recognize it as a distinct species, but many formerly considered it to be a regional variant of the paper birch. 

Given its many similarities to the paper birch, it’s easy to see why this species wasn’t always considered a distinct entity. In fact, it’s easier to list the characteristics that differ between the two than the characteristics they share. But it’s important to note that even most of these differences are subtle and technical. For example, the two species have different numbers of chromosomes, and mountain paper birch leaves have resin glands. Also, mountain paper birch shoots lack the hairs that are typically present on paper birch shoots. 

For the average Michigander, the most meaningful differences are the mountain paper birch’s range, which does not extend into the western U.S. states, and the fact that its leaves have heart-shaped bases. Some also consider the bark of mountain paper birches to be slightly shinier. Aside from these small differences, mountain paper birches and paper birches are essentially the same tree. 

Murray Birch

The Murray birch tree (Betula murrayana) is only known from a handful of specimens in Washtenaw County and a newly discovered population in southern Ontario. Seeds have been collected and planted from this rare species, but it is neither available commercially nor likely to be present in residential or commercial properties. 

The Murray birch looks quite similar to an immature yellow birch, but it’s a distinct entity that’s actually the product of a hybrid between the yellow birch and bog birch (known as Betula × purpusii) and another yellow birch. This results in a tree with eight sets of chromosomes in each cell. 

Because the tree is so rare, little is known about its biology, typical size, or susceptibility to pests and disease.  

Bog Birch

The bog birch (Betula pumila) is a denizen of swamps and riparian areas that occurs across a broad swath of North America. Better described as a large shrub than a proper tree, the bog birch is often multi-stemmed and only grows to about 12 feet in height. That’s part of the reason it’s also called the dwarf birch by some. 

In keeping with the general trend of birches, the bog birch is fairly short lived. Bog birches aren’t especially common on commercial or residential properties, and they’re rarely available in the nursery trade. Nevertheless, they can be an interesting species where they do grow. 

Birch Trees That May or May Not Be Native to Michigan

In addition to the five birch species that are native to Michigan, there are also a few that may or may not be native to the state. Additionally, there is at least one that is clearly not found within Michigan’s borders, yet may be seen on occasion. 

River Birch

The aptly named river birch (Betula nigra) tends to grow best in riparian areas, wetlands, and other damp locations. 

The river or black birch, as it is sometimes called, is similar to the paper birch in many ways, but it has a more southern distribution and tolerates high temperatures better. River birch is also a pioneer species, so it thrives in disturbed, open habitats, where sunlight is plentiful. However, while their seeds may be spread by wind, most successful germination takes place when the seeds are carried by water to other damp locations. 

There is some dispute as to whether or not it naturally grows in Michigan, but the University of Michigan, LSA Herbarium cites at least one reliable report of the species being spotted in Warren Woods State Park.  Whether or not the species is native to our state, it is commonly planted as an ornamental.  

In fact, despite being a wetland species in the wild, river birch will grow on drier, upland sites. However, it is often necessary to provide newly transplanted specimens with supplemental water while becoming established. River birch often grows as a multi-trunked tree, which many consider to be very attractive. 

Grey Birch

Like the river birch, there is some debate about whether or not the grey birch (Betula populifolia) is native to the Great Lakes State. It is found growing here, but this seems to be a relatively recent phenomenon — there are no old records describing the species in Michigan. 

Like most other birches, the grey birch is a pioneer species that rapidly colonizes disturbed land. In fact, this species can tolerate fairly nutrient-poor soil as long as that soil is well-drained and sunlight is plentiful in the area. This — along with its resistance to most pests — is part of the reason it is widely planted as an ornamental tree. 

Further bolstering its appeal, this species remains relatively small, with most specimens reaching about 20 to 30 feet in height. It also tends to grow as a multi-stemmed tree, like some other birch species. The bark of these trees is attractive, though it doesn’t exfoliate as much as the bark of paper birch or river birch trees. 

The leaves of grey birches are somewhat similar to the leaves of poplar trees (Populus spp.), which is where the tree gets its scientific name; “populifolia” means poplar-like leaves. 

Sweet Birch

Unlike the grey and river birch, the sweet birch is definitely not native to Michigan — its native range is located to the east. It isn’t often used as a landscaping tree, given its environmental requirements and the fact that it isn’t easy to transplant, but it may be seen from time to time in the state.

Known to arborists as Betula lenta, the sweet birch is a rather large birch species, which may reach 100 feet in height when planted in ideal locations. Another interesting characteristic of this tree is that it is one of the few birch species that loses its exfoliating bark with age; mature specimens have irregular, cracked bark with scaly patches.  

Despite being considered a pioneer species (in comparison to many of the other trees that grow in the same habitats), sweet birches may live a bit longer than some other birches. Many individuals appear capable of living to 100 years of age, and there is at least one specimen documented to have reached 265 years of age. 

Caring for Birch Trees

Whether you have birch trees growing naturally in your yard or you’re considering planting a few, it’s important to understand the kinds of soil conditions, water requirements, and sunlight exposure that your trees need to thrive. We’ll try to help by providing some basic care information for Michigan’s birch trees below. 

Paper Birch

• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Preference: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soils
• Moisture Requirements: Moderate
• Salt Tolerance: Low
• Pollution Tolerance: Low to moderate
• Proper pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5 to 7.0)

Yellow Birch

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Preference: Cool, moist, well-drained loam
• Moisture Requirements: Moderate to high
• Salt Tolerance: Low
• Pollution Tolerance: Low
• Proper pH: Slightly acidic (5.0 to 6.5)

River Birch

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Preference: Moist, acidic soils; tolerates clay and poorly drained sites
• Moisture Requirements: High; thrives in wet areas
• Salt Tolerance: Moderate
• Pollution Tolerance: High
• Proper pH: Acidic to slightly acidic (4.5 to 6.5)

Grey Birch

• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Preference: Dry, sandy, or rocky soils
• Moisture Requirements: Low to moderate
• Salt Tolerance: Low
• Pollution Tolerance: Moderate
• Proper pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5 to 7.0)

Bog Birch 

• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Preference: Peaty, wet, organic soils
• Moisture Requirements: Very high; thrives in saturated soils
• Salt Tolerance: Low
• Pollution Tolerance: Low
• Proper pH: Acidic (4.5 to 6.0)

Murray Birch 

• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Preference: Cold, moist, well-drained upland soils  
• Moisture Requirements: Moderate to high
• Salt Tolerance: Unknown; likely low
• Pollution Tolerance: Unknown; likely low
• Proper pH: Slightly acidic (5.5 to 6.5)

Sweet Birch

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Preference: Deep, fertile, well-drained loam
• Moisture Requirements: Moderate
• Salt Tolerance: Low
• Pollution Tolerance: Low to moderate
• Proper pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5 to 7.0)

Mountain Paper Birch 

• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Preference: Rocky, acidic, well-drained soils
• Moisture Requirements: Moderate
• Salt Tolerance: Low
• Pollution Tolerance: Low
• Proper pH: Acidic to slightly acidic (4.5 to 6.5)

Pests and Diseases of Birch Trees

Unfortunately, birch trees are susceptible to several insects and diseases. So, to help give your trees the best chance of living long lives and looking their best, familiarize yourself with the following pests and pathogens:

Bronze Birch Borer

A bug that’ll strike fear into the heart of any birch-loving landscaper, arborist, or homeowner, the bronze birch borer is the leading killer of ornamental birches in the U.S. The borer’s tunneling activities can disrupt the flow of nutrients in the tree, leading to the tree’s eventual death a few years after the initial infestation. 

Stressed trees are at the greatest risk of attack, though different birch species exhibit varying resistance to the insects. River birch, for example, is extremely resistant to these bugs. Paper and grey birches, on the other hand, are quite susceptible. 

Aside from supporting your trees’ overall health so they can fight off infestations on their own, there are a few different insecticides that can be used in the battle against these bugs. Nevertheless, prompt action is crucial for giving your trees the best chance at survival.  

Birch Leafminer

A small insect that feeds on birch leaves, the birch leafminer causes symptoms like leaf curling, brown blotches between leaf veins, and premature leaf drop. The damage caused by these bugs tends to peak during the late spring or early summer. 

Healthy trees can usually endure birch leafminer attacks without suffering much stress, but weakened trees are at risk. Fortunately, there are a variety of products that can be applied to trees to keep them protected from birch leafminers. However, it is important to time the application of these insecticides properly to achieve good results. 

Aphids

Aphids and other sap-sucking invertebrates may feed on birch trees. This can stress the tree (particularly young or otherwise vulnerable individuals), but it is rarely enough to kill the tree. However, the presence of aphids and their ilk often leads to a different problem: sooty mold. 

Sooty mold grows on plant tissues that are covered in honeydew – an excretion produced by sap-feeding insects. Sooty mold is generally not a big problem, and it rarely kills trees. But it is unsightly and may stress your trees, leaving them vulnerable to other threats. Ladybugs may help to keep aphid populations low, and insecticidal soaps can also offer some value in battling these pests. 

Leaf Spot Diseases

There are a number of fungal leaf spot diseases, including anthracnose and Septoria leaf spot, which can attack birch trees. Most leaf spot diseases cause relatively similar symptoms, such as dark brown or black spots appearing on the leaves. Premature leaf drop can also occur, and complete defoliation by late summer is possible during particularly bad infections. 

There’s not much you can do once a tree already has leaf spot, but there are preventative treatments available that can protect trees from some fungi. Fortunately, leaf spot diseases rarely kill trees outright, though repeated attacks in successive years can weaken a tree, leaving it vulnerable to secondary threats. 

Cankers

Cankers are areas of sunken, discolored bark patches that occur on tree trunks and branches. Sap may also ooze out from the surrounding area, and the bark may also crack, usually in response to the growing fungal mats associated with canker-causing diseases. 

Cankers can be caused by an array of fungal species, so you’ll need a professional arborist to assess your tree and identify the causal organism. Chemical treatments are rarely helpful for addressing canker diseases, so prevention is crucial. Protect trunks and branches from damage (most canker diseases enter the tree through wounds) and water trees appropriately. It is possible to prune limbs with canker disease, but there’s not much you can do if the trunk becomes infected. 

Armillaria Root Rot

A destructive fungus that can destroy a tree’s root system and cause systemic issues, Armillaria is common in the kinds of damp soils that many beeches favor — particularly when located in forested (or previously forested) areas. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for Armillaria, and because it often causes complete structural failure, removal is generally recommended. 

Keep an eye out for yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and dieback, as they’re all symptoms of Armillaria infection. However, the most important thing to watch for is the presence of yellow or gold-colored mushrooms growing from the base of the trunk or root system. 

Michigan Birch Trees: FAQ

Still have questions about Michigan’s birch trees? Wondering how to take better care of your birches? We’ve answered some of the most common questions our customers have about these trees below!

What birch is native to Michigan?

There are at least five birch species native to Michigan, with a few others being questionable — they’re definitely present, but they may have escaped from cultivation. The paper birch, bog birch, Murray’s birch, yellow birch, and mountain paper birch are all native. It isn’t clear whether the river birch and grey birch are historically native or if their presence is due to human activity.  

What tree is mistaken for a birch tree?

Birch trees may be confused with aspens, poplars, and, in some cases, cherry trees. They’re usually mistaken for these other species due to the similarity of the bark. 

Are birch trees good to have in your yard?

Birch trees can be fantastic ornamental specimens, given their four-season appeal and the considerable wildlife value they provide. They also tend to grow quickly, which is something many homeowners appreciate. However, they do present some challenges, including susceptibility to pests and disease, intolerance for shade, and short lifespans. 

Can you plant birch trees in Michigan?

Absolutely! In fact, many birch species thrive in our state. Paper birches are typically the most commonly planted species, and they are one of the best-suited for landscaping use. 

What is the lifespan of a birch tree?

Birch trees are relatively short-lived trees, with most living less than a century. Some may only live for 30 to 50 years, and many end up dying prematurely, thanks to poor site conditions, neglect, or the stress associated with suburban and urban locations. 

What are the cons of a birch tree?

The primary drawbacks to birch trees relate to their susceptibility to pests and diseases and short lifespans. They’re also fairly weak wooded, thanks to their rapid growth rate. Additionally, birches can produce very shallow root systems, which may present other problems. 

What is the most beautiful birch tree?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but many people consider paper birches to be one of the most attractive. With that said, river birches are certainly attractive too.  If you are open to exotic birch species, Erman’s birch (Betula ermanii) is often considered one of the most beautiful species in the entire genus, and it has gloriously colored bark. 

How far from the house should a birch be planted?

While birch trees do produce shallow, widely spreading root systems, they don’t cause as many problems as Norway maples (Acer platanoides) or willow trees (Salix spp.) do. With that said, it is wise to plant them at least 20 to 30 feet away from your home, as well as driveways or walking paths. Also, keep in mind the fact that you’ll rarely be able to grow anything right below a birch tree, as the roots will take over the area. 

Get the Care Your Birch Trees Need!

Whether you have a yard full of non-native river birches or a single glorious paper birch in your yard, it’s important to provide them with proper care. The best way to do this is with the help of a professional arborist, who can carry out the pruning, fertilization, and disease diagnosis services they may require. 

Contact us today to schedule an arborist’s evaluation for your birch trees. One of our tree-care professionals will visit your property, assess your trees, and outline the care they’ll need to look their best for years to come. 

References

• Michigan Natural Features Inventory. Betula murrayana (Murray Birch). Michigan State University Extension. https://mnfi.anr.msu.edu/species/description/13702/Betula-murrayana
• Native Plant Trust. Betula pumila (Bog Birch). Go Botany. https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/betula/pumila/
• U.S. Forest Service. Betula lenta (Sweet Birch). Silvics of North America. https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/misc/ag_654/volume_2/betula/lenta.htm
• University of Michigan Herbarium. Betula – Birch Genus Overview. Michigan Flora. https://michiganflora.net/genus/Betula
• Bonap.org. Betula papyrifera (Paper Birch) Plant Profile. bplant.org.
  https://bplant.org/plant/94