The birch in spring is not only the subject of numerous poetic reflections, but the tree is actually at a crucial stage in the light season. Find out how the birch tree shows itself in spring, what is good for it at this time of year and what you should better avoid.
In the spring, the birch bears its catkins
State of the birch in spring
For birch trees, as for most living beings, springtime means a phase of maximum activity. Your whole system is running at full speed, nutrient-rich water is intensively pumped through the tree so that new shoots, birch blossoms and young leaves can develop. Birch trees are in their flowering season in spring.
Male kittens, already fully formed from last year's autumn, emerge from hibernation while new female kittens emerge. You can see the intense yellow-orange male flowers, about four inches long, on the older shoots from March to May. At the tips of young new shoots you will discover the shorter and less conspicuous female catkins. They hang down distinctly or stand very upright. After fertilization, the typical winged nuts of the birch emerge from June.
Since birch trees reproduce exclusively by wind, the distribution of yellowish pollen is also characteristic of birch trees in spring. So, of course, a handy springtime tip is to cover surfaces or, if possible, keep them out of reach of pollen if the yellow coating bothers you. Pollen allergy sufferers notice well in advance that the season is approaching based on relevant symptoms.
Proper care for birch in spring
Care measures such as the use of fertilizer are usually not necessary. Just make sure that your birch has enough water at its disposal, because it needs plenty of it during this active time. Sufficient sun is always an advantage for the light-hungry trees.
What you should better do without in this special season is pruning the birch. This does not cause any damage in principle, but rather belongs in the hands of experienced gardeners. Since the trees are so anxious in spring to pump as much liquid as possible into their outermost tips, the birch would "bleed" unnecessarily during spring pruning. This means that the water would run out of the interfaces and give the impression of bleeding or even crying.