Tree Identification (Northern Hemisphere?)

[009Legend]

Hello all,

About seven years ago we bought a house with a deciduous tree in a courtyard space. The tree can't be too much older than that as Google Earth photos don't show the tree and there was a very DIY retic dripper setup to it. I suspect it was planted just before sale.

I'm much better at our local trees, and I've been wondering just what this is, and if it's going to cause problems long term. Love the tree, but it's certainly pushing up pavers. A lot of guessing has lead me to think Silver Birch, a Euro tree? I've got no reference other than internet photos. For those in the USA, I'd be in at best USDA Zone 10a. At best.

Anyway, here are some pics. Apologies for the lighting, it makes the shot of the whole tree a bit harder on the eyes.

 

[Del_]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betula_papyrifera

 

[009Legend]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betula_papyrifera

Dang it Del_, that was my original guess but I talked myself out of it as I thought the leaves and weeping branches put it more towards Betula Pendula.

It's absolutely out of its comfort zone here. Having a read I don't think it'll live particularly long in this climate.

 

[diver64]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betula_papyrifera

After the last couple of pictures especially the one showing the catkin it looks like a Betula spp. I am leaning towards Pendula but not sure. I am very surprised it's growing in your zone, though and I'd consider removing it as it will probably die anyways.

 

[009Legend]

Cheers diver64. The catkins sold me on Betula, but I really don't have enough experience with them to know what from what else. The bark doesn't "peel off" on its own accord and make a mess like the local trees do, but it sure likes to dump everything else come autumn!

It's a lovely tree but after shooting up quickly on the first couple of years it hasn't done much growing. Maybe I'll chuck some water on it and see what happens.

If I were to remove it, any recommendations for something similar but more suited to heat? No snow here. I enjoy watching it change through the seasons so another deciduous would be on the cards. Something that won't mess up foundations, etc or get too big?

 

[diver64]

IDK, that's an interesting spot. How about something like https://www.plantingtree.com/products/emperor-japanese-maple

 

[009Legend]

diver64, that's not a bad suggestion. Still may not like the great but will probably do better than the poor Birch.

Will look at available varieties down this way. Always loved Japan in autumn, don't know why I didn't think of something similar myself. Cheers guys the idea!

 

[diver64]

Well, it's hardy to Zone 9 which is much closer to you than the Birch. My suggestion was for a tree like that with nice color and considering the sight, a smaller crown. Crepe Myrtle would be great and there are a few that grow in zone 10 like this one https://www.thetreecenter.com/natchez-crape-myrtle/

Let us know what you decide on, I'm curious as that birch has no business growing that well not only surrounded by brick which traps heat but in Zone 10 to boot.

 

[dboyd351]

I agree with Diver64 that a Japanese maple would be a good choice for a replacement. Beautiful fall color and I frequently see them planted and prospering in restricted spaces like that.
Unless the roots of the birch are causing too many problems, I'd be tempted to leave it. Seems to be very healthy and prospering as is. Not continuing to grow rapidly might be a good thing.

 

[009Legend]

diver64, another good suggestion - Crepe Myrtle. There is one up the street and it's certainly something to look at. I think the Japanese Maple might be the first choice though, they do look stunning.

dboyd351, really only a couple of pavers pushed up that I can see. I found some stuffed PVC soakwell drain pipes that have what I assume are the Birch roots growing into. No real dramas there.

I've actually taken to giving it a full watering can when I remember. I've also realised the weird, "weeds" that were popping up everywhere over the last two years are Birch saplings! Darn thing certainly is giving life its best shot and I respect that. Might leave it and see how it goes...

 

[esshup]

The Birch trees are "messy" trees. I have River Birch that grow like weeds here and they are constantly dropping small diameter (-2.5 cm) branches in wind storms. Relatively shallow rooted are the Birches too, and they like moist soil vs. dry soil.

 

[dboyd351]

Yeah, you are right about them dropping small branches. There is a neighbor down the street that has river birches that drop small branches a lot. Of course, it doesn't help that he doesn't ever do any yard work or clean anything up

 

[009Legend]

The Birch trees are "messy" trees. I have River Birch that grow like weeds here and they are constantly dropping small diameter (-2.5 cm) branches in wind storms. Relatively shallow rooted are the Birches too, and they like moist soil vs. dry soil.

Aren't they just. I can see how they could become a weed species.
Like you mentioned, branches everywhere. If they're not on the ground, they're hung up in the live ones!

Are they sensitive to anything, like some of our plants are to phosphorous? Alternatively I've got bulk seaweed tonic.