Weeping Silver Birch Betula pendula Tristis
Description & features
British Grown - The British Grown logo denotes plants and trees that have been both propagated and grown in the UK. Read more
Step 1 - Select plant type
Bare root guideStep 2 - Size and quantity
All prices include VAT
Volume discount | 1-2 | 3-9 | 10+ |
---|---|---|---|
6-8cm girth / 2.4-2.75m | £68.40 | £57.00 | £51.30 |
All prices include VAT
All prices include VAT
All prices include VAT

British Grown - The British Grown logo denotes plants and trees that have been both propagated and grown in the UK. Read more
Product description
BETULA PENDULA TRISTIS - Weeping silver birch
Characteristics
This striking tree is medium sized reaching about 12m (40ft). The branches are uplifted with very long weeping shoots that twist and dangle like streamers. The bark remains white at the base.
Where to Grow
It is best planted in a large garden or parkland where it can be given a lot of space to enable the tree to be given the full admiration it deserves. As with all birches it is tolerant of most soils but does not like compaction of the surface soil.
Did you know?
A magnificent specimen planted in the 19th century can be seen in the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh which has a stunning collection of birches.
Features
- Mature height
- Medium - 10-15 metres
- Spread
- 5-10 metres
- Shape / habit
- Pyramidal
- Weeping
- Growth rate
- Medium
- Soil type
- All soil types
- Sun levels
- Full sun
- Partial shade
- Difficulty / hard to grow
- Easy
- Evergreen / Deciduous
- Deciduous
- Season of interest
- Autumn
- Winter
- Autumn colour
- Yellow
- Leaf
- Green
- Foliage
- Fine/Light leaf
- Small leaves
- White
- Yes
- Uses
- Screening
- Parkland Tree
- Garden Tree
- City/Urban Sites
Features
- Mature height
- Medium - 10-15 metres
- Spread
- 5-10 metres
- Shape / habit
- Pyramidal
- Weeping
- Growth rate
- Medium
- Soil type
- All soil types
- Sun levels
- Full sun
- Partial shade
- Difficulty / hard to grow
- Easy
- Evergreen / Deciduous
- Deciduous
- Season of interest
- Autumn
- Winter
- Autumn colour
- Yellow
- Leaf
- Green
- Foliage
- Fine/Light leaf
- Small leaves
- White
- Yes
- Uses
- Screening
- Parkland Tree
- Garden Tree
- City/Urban Sites
Aftercare
Pruning Betula Pendula Tristis
Betula pendula Tristis will need gradual vertical training. Keep the leading stem staked until it has reached the desired height, and is strong enough to support the weeping crown. You should remove any laterals that droop low.
To display the characteristic bark, remove low stems from the trunk when they are young. This will keep branch scars small.
When should I prune? Light prune during the autumn, through to mid-winter.
For the continued healthy growth of your trees, shrubs or hedging it is vital that you follow the advice below.
Watering
The main reason that plants die within 12 months of having been planted is lack of water. It is essential throughout the spring and summer, to give a heavy enough watering to enable the water to penetrate right down to the deepest root level of the tree. In hot dry spells give the equivalent of 2 bucketfuls every three days.
Weed Control
One of the most common causes of lack of water is competition from grass. When trees are first establishing, the grass roots would be at the same level as the tree roots and are far more efficient at taking up water and thus choke the tree. It is vital for 3 years after planting that your tree or hedge has a circle or strip one metre wide completely free of grass. The way to eliminate grass in order of effectiveness is:
- Spray off the grass with a glyphosate based weed killer such as Roundup. Apply each year for the first 3 years. It is best applied when the tree is dormant as it is absorbed through green leaves and kills the plant off at the roots.
- Firmly fit a mulch mat around the base of the tree by tucking the edges into the soil and put a thick layer of bark mulch on top of this. This can be done after the initial spraying with glyphosate and should avoid the need for further spraying.
Mowing or strimming is NOT an answer to the problem. Each time you mow, the grass will grow back more vigorously and strimming invariably leads to lacerated trunks.
Staking
If trees are not correctly secured they will rock in the planting pit. Roots not firmly in contact with the soil are unable to take up moisture and nutrients, resulting in die back or death of the tree. Check, particularly after windy weather, that stakes are still solidly in the ground keeping the base of the trunk firm. The purpose of the stakes is to anchor the roots. Flexing in the wind, higher up the trunk, is not necessarily a problem if the roots are firm.
Bellow is list of the correct system to use to secure your trees.
- 40/60, 60/80, 80/100 whips - Unless rabbit/deer problem no need to stake.
- 100/125, 125/150 1.2m Cane and Easi tie.
- 150/175 1.2m square stake and a buckle tie and spacer.
- 175/250, 6/8, 8/10 15L 1.65 Tree stake and a buckle tie and spacer.
- All larger trees. 2 x 1.65 Tree stake and cross rail with 38mm cushion spacer and 1m of 38mm strapping.
Ties
Always use our recommended tree ties or strapping. These are designed and manufactured with the correct amount of give to hold the tree firm without strangling it. They should be checked at the end of each growing season for adjustment as the trunk thickens. Non proprietary materials such as baler twine will cut into the bark and should not be used.
Protection from Animal Damage
Rabbits, deer, sheep, cattle and horses can all potentially damage trees. Ask us for advice on the most appropriate guards for your trees or hedge. Squirrels are also a terrible pest when trees get to about 20ft tall but there is no protection available.
By Mrs T Wilkinson on 19/03/2016
Hi could I leave a weeping silver birch tree in a pot? We need somethings tall with canopy in a pot! Thankyou
By Simon on 25/03/2016
Hello Mrs Wilkinson,
I’m afraid that birch is a fast growing tree so will outgrow a pot rather quickly. Stick to very small trees and shrubs for keeping in containers.