Parkland Pillar® Birch

Parkland Pillar® Birch, known scientifically as Betula platyphylla 'Jefpark', is a highly distinctive and attractive ornamental tree known for its unique vertical growth and dramatic display of white bark. It’s a standout specimen especially designed for narrow spaces, and hence, is a favorite among urban landscapers who desire high-impact, low-footprint plantings.

This deciduous tree features a strong columnar form, growing to a mature height of about 30-40 feet, while maintaining an impressively slender spread of only 6-7 feet. This aspect ratio makes it an ideal choice for small gardens or for use as a privacy screen or hedge in residential or commercial landscapes. The tree is noted for its distinctive, bright white bark which exfoliates as it matures to reveal darker layers beneath, creating a year-round visual interest.

The Parkland Pillar® Birch has dark green foliage throughout the season, which transforms to a delightful yellow in the fall, providing a vibrant contrast against its white bark. Its oval leaves are serrated at the edges and offer a slightly glossy appearance in full sunlight. The tree produces inconspicuous catkins in the spring, which adds another layer of textural detail.

Hardy in USDA zones 3-7, the Parkland Pillar® Birch is a relatively low-maintenance tree. It prefers full sun to partial shade and requires well-drained soil to thrive. It can tolerate a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It is also highly resistant to bronze birch borer, a common pest of many birch trees. It has a medium growth rate and requires regular watering, especially during the first few years and in periods of drought. This tree is truly a remarkable choice for a narrow vertical element in the landscape.

The Parkland Pillar® Birch, with its slender, columnar form and distinctive white bark, has numerous applications in landscape design:

1. Specimen Planting: Its unique shape and bright white bark make it a perfect specimen tree. It provides a striking focal point in any landscape design, whether it's a home garden, public park, or commercial establishment.
2. Privacy Screens and Hedges: Because of its narrow spread and vertical growth, the Parkland Pillar® Birch can be used to create privacy screens or hedges. When planted in a row, these trees form an effective barrier, blocking visibility without taking up too much horizontal space.
3. Urban Landscaping: This tree is ideal for urban landscaping due to its compact footprint. It fits well into tight spaces, such as along streets, in courtyards, or in between buildings. Its high resistance to pollution also makes it a great choice for city planting.
4. Borders and Windbreaks: The tree's hardiness and columnar shape make it suitable for use in borders, defining property lines, or as a windbreak in larger landscapes.
5. Container Gardening: Although it grows quite tall, its narrow form allows the Parkland Pillar® Birch to be an effective plant in large container gardening, where it can provide dramatic vertical interest.
6. Fall Interest: The tree's leaves turn a beautiful yellow in the fall, making it an excellent choice for adding a splash of color to a fall landscape.

Remember, when designing your landscape with Parkland Pillar® Birch, consider the tree's needs for sunlight and well-drained soil. Position it accordingly to ensure its health and longevity.

The Parkland Pillar® Birch is a hardy tree, but like all plants, it will thrive with the right care and attention. Here are some tips for planting and caring for your tree:

Planting:

1. Site Selection: Choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade. The tree will need at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day.
2. Soil Preparation: The tree prefers well-drained soil. It can tolerate a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. If your soil is heavy clay or drains poorly, consider amending it with compost or other organic matter to improve its texture and drainage.
3. Planting Hole: The hole should be 2-3 times wider than the root ball but no deeper than the root ball. Avoid planting the tree too deeply as this can cause the roots to suffocate.
4. Backfilling: Place the tree in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole, firming the soil gently as you go to remove any air pockets.

Care:

1. Watering: Water the tree thoroughly after planting. For the first few years and during periods of drought, water the tree deeply once a week. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
2. Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree. This will help to retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth. Be sure to keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
3. Pruning: The Parkland Pillar® Birch typically requires little pruning, but if necessary, prune in late fall or winter when the tree is dormant. Remove any damaged or diseased branches and any branches that are growing out of character with the tree's natural form.
4. Pest and Disease Control: While this tree is more resistant to bronze birch borer than many birch varieties, keep an eye out for other common pests and diseases, such as leaf miners and fungal infections. Contact a local extension service or qualified arborist for advice if you notice any signs of pest or disease issues.
5. Fertilizing: The tree generally doesn't require regular fertilizing. However, if the tree is not growing well or the leaves are discolored, a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring may be beneficial.

Remember, the key to a healthy Parkland Pillar® Birch is a well-chosen planting location and consistent, appropriate care. With these, your tree should provide beauty and interest for many years to come.