Anyone who has ever traveled through distant Siberia knows the almost endless birch forests that characterize the panorama there in a picturesque and unmistakable way. The fact that the trees not only withstand the extreme conditions of this harsh climate, but even grow and thrive intensively, already provides information about how the birch copes in the winter in its native regions.
Because of their white bark, birches look particularly attractive in the snow
State of the birch in winter
During the winter months, the next flowering is already slumbering in the birch family. Because the male kittens are already formed in autumn, but they do not open immediately, but initially survive the winter. The following spring, the female flowers appear on new young shoots on the same tree, so that pollination by the wind can take place quickly and efficiently. This extremely successful way of propagating makes the birch one of the so-called pioneer plants. Even poor soil, severe cold and inhospitable conditions do not stop these trees from luxuriantly spreading.
Birch trees in frost and snow
After the birch turns its leaves intensely golden yellow in autumn and then finally sheds them completely as the months progress, it survives even harsh winters without any problems. The survivor is extremely frost-resistant and hardy.
In fact, depending on the species, the trees have a frost hardiness of up to - 45 degrees Celsius. This applies, for example, to the silver birch, which occurs most frequently in Germany, and also to the fairly widespread downy birch. Although they are very light-requiring plants, they can withstand cloudy winter days and partial shade for a long time. Even very young trees are already armed with the resilience that is at least as characteristic of the genus Betula as their shimmering white trunk.
Caring for birch properly in winter
When its filigree branches are covered with snow, the birch in the garden is at least as attractive a sight during frosty winter days as with the lush deciduous foliage. For optimal care of the picturesque tree, there are no more obligations in the cold season than in other seasons. However, you should refrain from pruning the birch in winter, unless it is absolutely necessary. It is better to move the pruning to dry and frost-free days in autumn.