Paper Birch
Betula papyrifera
Popular ornamental tree in Tri-Cities gardens, though often struggles in urban heat. Native to cooler areas of BC.
Identification
15-25m (50-80ft)
Up to 0.5m diameter with distinctive white, papery bark that peels in horizontal strips
Oval to triangular (5-10cm) with doubly-serrated edges, turning bright yellow in fall
Produces small hanging catkins (male) and upright catkins (female) that release tiny winged seeds
Key Identifying Features
- Striking white bark that peels in papery layers
- Bark has distinctive horizontal lenticels (lines)
- Often grows in clumps with multiple stems
- Brilliant yellow fall colour
- Delicate, airy crown structure
Identification Photos
Click any photo to enlarge. Photos help with identification but may vary by age, season, and location.
Tree Care
Watering
Requires consistent moisture. Very sensitive to drought stress, which invites bronze birch borer.
Pruning
Prune only when dormant to prevent excessive sap bleeding. Avoid heavy pruning.
Best time: Late fall to early winter only (bleeds heavily if pruned in spring)
Common Issues
- Bronze birch borer (often fatal)
- Birch leafminer
- Heat stress in urban environments
- Short-lived compared to conifers (60-80 years)
Maintenance Notes
Moderate to high maintenance. Requires consistent watering during dry spells. Mulch heavily to keep roots cool and moist.
Root System
Shallow, fibrous root system
Roots typically extend to the drip line or slightly beyond
Potential Concerns
- Shallow roots sensitive to soil compaction
- Less aggressive than maples or cottonwoods
- May surface in lawns but rarely damage hardscape
- Roots are sensitive to changes in grade or drainage
Hazard Assessment
Common Failure Modes
- Top dieback from bronze birch borer
- Whole-tree failure when weakened by pest/disease
- Stem failure in multi-stemmed specimens
Warning Signs to Watch For
- Crown dieback starting at top
- D-shaped exit holes in bark (bronze birch borer)
- Yellowing leaves in summer
- Bark peeling excessively or falling off
- Reduced leaf size
Removal Considerations
Key Considerations
- Relatively small size makes access easier
- Wood is soft and easy to cut
- Shallow roots make stump removal straightforward
- Often planted ornamentally near homes
- May have emotional value to homeowners
Permit Notes
Paper Birch is the one common species that genuinely may fall under the threshold. Permit thresholds vary across the region: any tree at all in Anmore and Belcarra, 15cm or 5m tall in Port Coquitlam, 20cm in Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, New Westminster and Delta, and 30cm in Port Moody, Burnaby and Surrey. A garden birch under 20cm is exempt in most municipalities but not in Anmore or Belcarra, where any removal needs a permit. Measure at 1.4m before assuming.
Check the rules where the tree is
- Port Moody
- Coquitlam
- Port Coquitlam
- Anmore
- Belcarra
- Pitt Meadows
- Maple Ridge
- New Westminster
- Burnaby
- Surrey
- Delta
- Langley
Side-by-side comparison in our Tri-Cities tree bylaw guide. Each city page links to the municipality's own bylaw, which is the authority - these summaries are a starting point, not a permit decision.
Need Help With This Tree?
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