How messy are birch trees actually?

[Nj6964]

My landscaper is a big fan of river birches and is suggesting some for my yard. I read that they are a messy plant dropping twigs seeds and leaves all throughout the season. Since these trees will be planted near a deck and a walkway I’d rather not have to sweep every day. How much of a mess do they really make? Thanks!!

 

[alp]

Welcome to the forum, @Nj6964 !

If you don't like it, tell your landscaper. You're the boss. Why not go for an evergreen, a compact or even variegated one which won't spread out too much or take over? No such hassle of leaves everywhere ruining your decking.

 

[DirtMechanic]

3 and 4 on the left are river birch beauties on one side of the drive. See what mess they made during a heavy rainstorm?? Personally I like them for their beauty and they are not dense so other understory and even grass type plants get enough sun to live under them. Your advisor is wise. They will need consistent water though.

 

[alp]

@DirtMechanic If I had that much land, I would plant fruit trees .. Stand there and eat from them. Or artistic conifer or acer or viburnum burkwoodii.

A majestic driveway though, DM! If it is planted near a decking area, there are concerns. But yours look fab, DM!

 

[DirtMechanic]

@DirtMechanic If I had that much land, I would plant fruit trees .. Stand there and eat from them. Or artistic conifer or acer or viburnum burkwoodii.

A majestic driveway though, DM! If it is planted near a decking area, there are concerns. But yours look fab, DM!

We do, mainly plum, pear and persimmon and a crab apple. We removed the peaches. Fruit trees are a lot of work.

 

[alp]

Yes, some fruit trees are magnets for troubles. Peach trees with curly leaves.. cherry tree with fruits being kissed by evil and left with a cross at the bottoms of the fruits. Hazel nuts eaten before you can say hello! Need I say more! LOL!!

 

[Nealjan1]

My landscaper is a big fan of river birches and is suggesting some for my yard. I read that they are a messy plant dropping twigs seeds and leaves all throughout the season. Since these trees will be planted near a deck and a walkway I’d rather not have to sweep every day. How much of a mess do they really make? Thanks!!

 

[DirtMechanic]

No more than any other really. If you want to hate your choices plant an evergreen magnolia tree. They drop dragon scales for leaves, seemlingly all year long. And the cones are like hitting a rock with a lawnmower. The ratio of any tree is related to its dappled shade ration, and birchs do not steal the sun from the understory as bad as many do. Thus, because they have less up top, or it is spread out, the drop is similarly less. This is not a pine comment, just a generalized thought about maples and redbuds and cherries and even oaks and hickories etc.

 

[Clint62]

I wouldnt want to shovel that driveway in the winter Great looking trees.

 

[DirtMechanic]

I wouldnt want to shovel that driveway in the winter Great looking trees.

LoL Thank you! One reason I am here is no snow!