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Shade Your Sunny Lawn Naturally With A Dependable Fast-Growing Tree
By CHARLOTTE SEARS
Shade in your yard can make all the difference, especially during the summer. Luckily, this fast-growing tree, called the river birch, can give you shade in just a few years.
River birch trees can reach between 40 and 70 feet tall and are commonly found growing in moist and damp landscapes and near river banks, hence their name.
The river birch grows between 1½ to 3 feet per year, and in 10 years, it can reach as tall as 20 feet, making it fast-growing compared to other trees like juniper or spruce.
It offers plenty of shade, as it has a sprawling canopy of up to 40 feet wide. River birches dislike growing in shady spots and need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Unlike other birch trees, the river birch has a better tolerance to warm temperatures. Although it does well in various types of soil, it needs to be watered at least once a week.
Its shallow roots are constantly searching for water, spreading far and wide. For this reason, plant your river birch at least 15 to 20 feet away from your house or sewer lines.