The ever-thirsty birch tree can thrive in the rainy state of Washington, if other conditions are right. Much of Washington state lies in plant hardiness zone 8, according to the United States Department of Agriculture hardiness map. In zone 8 average low temperatures are around 10 to 15 degrees Ftolerable for birch trees. Birch species range from the river birch to the silver birch. Most species are suitable for cultivation in Washington. Trees can reach heights of over 40 feet, so select an area with plenty of space.
Instructions
Things and Tools You’ll Need:
- Birch sapling
- Soil pH test kit
- Lime (optional)
- Sulfur (optional)
- Spade
- Manure
- Mulch
Step 1
Buy a healthy birch sapling from a tree nursery. Consider the western paper birch, a species native to the Washington region.
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Step 2
Choose a shaded place for your birch tree. Birch are forest trees and thrive in moist, warm conditions. Aim for a location that’s part-shaded by walls or other large trees for much of the day, yet still allows the tree foliage enough sunlight to grow.
Step 3
Test the soil pH using a garden store soil test kit. Birches do best in soil with pH from 5 to 6.5, according to the USDA. Add sulfur to the soil to lower the pH as required. Add lime to raise pH.
Step 4
Avoid very compact soil. Washington has extremely varied soil conditions, with over 1,600 recognized soil series in the state, according to the Washington Society of Professional Soil Scientists. Ideal soil for growing birch is damp and moist, but not too wet.
Step 5
Dig a hole in your chosen location at least twice as wide as the roots of your sapling. Dig the hole deeper than needed and add some rotted manure to the bottom. Mix manure or compost with the soil removed from the hole. This will help drainage and provides added nutrients. Water the hole with 2 gallons of water.
Step 6
Insert the young tree, taking care not to break or damage roots. Fill the gaps around the tree with the soil and compost mix. Don’t build up soil around the trunk as this can cause rotting.
Step 7
Mulch the area surrounding the birch with wood chips or bark pieces to conserve moisture, keep the tree cool in summer and improve soil nutrition. Add a mulch layer 2 inches deep, but leave a few inches bare directly surrounding the trunk.
Step 8
Water the tree weekly with a foot-deep watering. Even though Washington gets plenty of rainfall, you need to keep the ground as moist as possible.
Tips & Warnings
Check moisture by grabbing a fistful of soil. If it crumbles in your hand, it’s too dry. If it retains some shape, it’s moist enough for the birch.
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