Dakota Pinnacle Birch for Sale - Buying & Growing Guide

Planting and Care

by John Haryasz | Horticulture Writer and Landscape Designer – last update on June 8, 2022

Planting instructions

The Dakota pinnacle birch can adapt to many different soil conditions, including sandy, rocky, and loamy soils, which makes choosing a planting location quite easy. As long as the place where you grow this plant receives at least 4hours of sunlight and has decent soil moisture and drainage, you will likely have success. You also won’t need to worry about overcrowding with this plant as its spread remains relatively narrow even when mature. During planting, make sure to give plenty of water and finish the job with a healthy layer of mulch for the best results.

Watering and nutrients

Dakota pinnacle birch trees enjoy soil that has consistent moisture. However, in most cases, you’ll only need to water this plant when it is young. Once this cultivar has become established, it will have a tremendous capacity to survive without supplemental water. The only time you may need to give water is in cases of extreme drought. A single application of fertilizer in the spring — with another optional feeding in the fall —will keep this plant thriving.

Pollination

Like all members of the birch tree family, the Dakota pinnacle birch is monoecious, holding male and female flowers on a single plant. During the spring season, the male flowers will release their pollen, which enters the air and floats until it reaches a female flower. When pollination occurs, an unremarkable fruit will develop. Since these fruits don’t offer ornamental value and people don’t eat them, pollination should not be a concern when growing this plant.

Pruning

It is good to refrain from pruning the Dakota pinnacle birch or any other birch) during the early spring before the leaves have arrived. Like many other tree species, birches have sap that runs through their trunks and branches early in the season. If you cut them during this time, the sap will bleed, causing damage to your tree’s health. To avoid this problem, prune in late spring or fall instead. Pruning can also be minimal for the Dakota pinnacle birch variety as it has a naturally attractive form.

Pests, diseases, and animals

Like many birches, the Dakota pinnacle birch is at risk of infestation from aphids, leaf miners, and other insects. One of the most formidable threats to birches is the bronze birch borer. Thankfully, the Dakota pinnacle birch shows a strong resistance to this pest, which is a contrast to most other birches. Outside of pest infestations, the Dakota pinnacle birch can contract diseases including dieback and canker, though these problems are not incredibly common.

Achieving maximum results

While the Dakota pinnacle birch tree is both adaptable and resilient, some growing regions are more advantageous for this plant than others. Typically, this tree grows best where the climate is cold, and the ground receives some consistent snow coverage during the winter. In the warmer parts of this plant’s range, it can struggle somewhat with the heat. If you live in such areas and want to plant this tree, it’s best to provide some shade to keep the tree cooler during the warmest parts of a summer day.

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