Heritage River Birch

Peeling ornamental bark: Creamy white and cinnamon tones create year-round visual appeal.
Heat and humidity tolerant: Performs better in warmer climates than many other birches.
Fast-growing shade tree: Quickly establishes and provides cooling canopy coverage.
Adaptable to wet sites: Ideal for low-lying or poorly drained areas.
Improved pest resistance: More resistant to bronze birch borer than other birch varieties.

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#15 Container

$236.00

42 in stock

2-3" Caliper

$473.00

8 in stock

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Starting at $236.00

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Our local delivery area reaches as far north as Schroon Lake, south to Voorheesville, Glenmont, and East Greenbush areas, parts of Fulton and Montgomery counties, much of Washington County, and all areas in between. If you have questions on local delivery, give us a call at

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Heritage River Birch

Sunlight
Can grow in a range from full sun to partial shade. They need at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day.
Watering
Regular watering schedule for the first six months. Once established, rainwater should be sufficient.
Fertilizing
Should not need any extra fertilizer unless your entire lawn and garden have problems and needs regular fertilizing.

Heritage River Birch

A fast-growing and highly adaptable deciduous tree, Heritage River Birch is prized for its striking peeling bark and excellent tolerance of wet soils. This improved cultivar offers superior resistance to pests and provides year-round visual interest in a wide range of landscapes.

General Information:

Botanical Name: Betula nigra ‘Heritage’
Plant Type: Deciduous Tree
Mature Height: 40–70 feet
Mature Spread: 40–60 feet
Growth Rate: Fast
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–9
Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Geographic Guidance:

Heritage River Birch thrives across much of the Northeast, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and parts of the Southeast US, especially in areas with moist soils and seasonal humidity.

Why Choose This Plant?

Heritage River Birch is an excellent choice for homeowners and landscapers looking for a resilient, visually striking shade tree.

Peeling ornamental bark: Creamy white and cinnamon tones create year-round visual appeal.
Heat and humidity tolerant: Performs better in warmer climates than many other birches.
Fast-growing shade tree: Quickly establishes and provides cooling canopy coverage.
Adaptable to wet sites: Ideal for low-lying or poorly drained areas.
Improved pest resistance: More resistant to bronze birch borer than other birch varieties.

Complete Care & Growing Guide

Light Requirements

Performs best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Full sun encourages the best bark color and strong growth.

Soil

Prefers moist, slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Tolerates clay and periodically wet conditions better than most trees.

Watering

Requires regular watering during establishment. Once established, it tolerates occasional drought but prefers consistently moist soil.

Planting & Care

1. Planting: This is a large landscape tree and as such, requires a bit of planning before planting. First, measure the area where you would like to plant your hedge or row. You will need the length of the area of planting to estimate the number of trees you need.

When planting, dig a hole for each tree that is three times as wide as the root ball but just as deep. Place the tree, fill in around the tree with the same soil you took out when initially digging the hole. Finally, tamp down as you fill to cut back on any air pockets from forming, water the tree, then mulch to conserve moisture.

2. Watering: For the first two weeks, water your new tree every other day by holding a hose around it and counting to 20. If you don’t have a hose, 2 large watering cans full of water will do (smaller trees may only need a light soaking so a single can may suffice).

Related Resources

FAQs

Is it messy due to bark shedding?

It does shed bark, but many homeowners consider this a desirable ornamental feature rather than a nuisance.
Can it grow in wet soil?

Yes, it is one of the best trees for wet or poorly drained areas.
Does Heritage River Birch lose its leaves in winter?

Yes, it is a deciduous tree and sheds its leaves in the fall.

Shipping Details

Estimated Shipping Time: Most orders ship immediately. As noted on the website, some items are seasonal, and may only ship in spring or fall. Once your order is shipped, you’ll receive an email with a tracking number.

Amount of Order	Shipping Charge
Local Delivery	FREE SHIPPING
Non-Local Delivery	Varies based on UPS shipping

Mature Height	Large: Up to 30 ft or more
Mature Spread	20+ ft
Growth Rate	Fast
Botanical Name	Betula nigra 'Heritage'
Bloom Time	Mid spring, Early Spring
Deer Resistant	Usually
Family	Betulaceae
Flower Color	Non Flowering
Hardiness Zones	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Light Needs	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Maintenance	Low
Size	#15 Container, 2-3" Caliper

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Maintenance	Low	Low	Medium	Low	Low	Low