Can The River Birch Tree Root System Damage My House?

The name river birch offers a hint regarding the needs of this elegant tree. It loves the wetlands, is continuously thirsty, has a glittery trunk, and hanging limbs. As long as you provide the river birch tree root system with adequate water, its roots will not destroy your home.

The River Birch Tree Root System: Flexible and Attractive

The river birch is best for forests and the everglades. Satin, silver bark covers the trunk. As the bark grows older, other colors, such as lavender, orange, and salmon, shine through. Most river birch trees grow no more than 50 feet tall. Though, some could flourish up to 100 feet. 

In autumn, the diamond-shaped leaves become golden yellow before falling from the trees. Its flowers look like catkins in the winter and springtime. In the summer, the river birch tree produces brown or green cones. This tree mainly grows in the area east of the Mississippi River.

Water Everywhere

Each tree has its favorites. With several options, the river birch prefers growing in acidic, damp soil situated in a cool climate. However, this tree is compliant and could grow in standard soil as long as it receives the correct water amount.

The river birch is famous for being disease-free. This tree hosts other insects, like beetle borers, aphids, and anthracnose. Though, they do not affect the overall health of your river birch tree. 

The Roots 

The river birch's root system is vast and wide. Tough, but not mighty enough to wreak disaster on your foundation. While some might fear the tree's roots will get into the plumbing, there's no proof to suggest this. Several arborists state that when river birch trees become dry, the leaves fall, and the tree dies. 

River Birch Seeds

The river birch makes separate female and male flowers. Small cones filled with hairy seeds comes from pollination. Some birds, including grouse and wild turkeys, feast on birch seeds. 

You can begin new birch trees by surface planting fresh seeds in a protected area. The budding trees require moisture and light to grow.

Want more information on river birch trees? Give us a call at Tree Service York PA.

---