How to prune betula nigra

Midsummer to early autumn (June–September). On multi-stem trees, select the best 3–5 leaders early and remove the rest at ground level. Thereafter, remove dead wood and any crossing branches back to a lateral. Use sharp loppers or a pruning saw and treat cut surfaces on larger wounds.

Formative pruning in first 3 years; thereafter every 3–5 years as needed. River birch needs only modest pruning — remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain an open, healthy canopy. On multi-stem specimens, thin to 3–5 main trunks in early years to show off the attractive peeling bark. Like all birches, avoid pruning when sap is actively rising in late winter or spring.

On multi-stem trees, select the best 3–5 leaders early and remove the rest at ground level. Thereafter, remove dead wood and any crossing branches back to a lateral. Use sharp loppers or a pruning saw and treat cut surfaces on larger wounds.