If you want a fast growing tree, that’s full of shade and is a picture for the eyes, a birch tree is for you. We could start a birch tree farm with the zillions of seeds we have on the ground and those that have sprouted in my potted plants and throughout our gardens. But, if you like to sweep and blow off your roof and gutters, pick up sticks, rake leaves, and blow away seed pods, this might be your tree. My biggest unsolicited advice would be to have a wheelbarrow ready after every wind storm to haul off the sticks and a blower ready for all the rest of it or better yet plant the tree away from the house where you can just admire it from afar. Maybe even hang a swing underneath and enjoy the shade. My mom and her yard man used to call a Riverbirch a junk tree. I can see why.
River Birch is great shade if you don’t mind the cleanup.
