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Old 25-10-2008, 01:04 AM posted to aus.gardens
Jeßus[_5_] Jeßus[_5_] is offline
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First recorded activity by GardenBanter: Oct 2008
Posts: 21
Default planting Silver Birch - optimal spacing?

Hi All,

I have a couple of young Silver Birch trees, still in pots.

After doing a search, I'm still not completely sure of what spacing I
should use when planting... I'd like to plant one either side of my main
front gate (I'm on acreage in Tasmania).

Plenty of sites state that max size is around 20m high x 10m wide, and
that the tree is "short lived". I'm not sure what their definition of
"short lived" is though? Also, approximately how many years are we
talking about when it comes to reaching full size?

I figure if the trees take 10-20 years to get near full mature size, that
I could plant them a bit closer, and I'd have plenty of time to prune/
train branches away so they don't reduce clearance through the gate.

So... what spacing would be best under the circumstances?
They will have full sunlight, the soil is pretty good, well drained with
plenty of organic matter (but I don't know the PH as yet).

I have plenty of compost, chook poo and a bag of dynamic lifter available
to feed the trees. I want to provide optimal conditons for growth, so if
there is anything else I should add, I'd be interested to know.

I suspect that some of the local critter might find the young foliage
tempting, so plan use stakes & chicken mesh for protection.

Having only known tropical horticulture, I'm on a bit of a crash course
learning all about temperate zone trees and plants in general... thanks
for any help.