"The birch (Betula) genus includes a few dozen tree and shrub species that are widely distributed in North America, Asia and Europe. It occurs in a wide spectrum of climatic conditions from the Arctic tundra to the intertropical zone (Titmuss, 1959, Browicz, 1979). Birches grow mainly on lowlands, although they can be found at altitudes of up to 1950 m a.s.l. in the Alps. Notably, the highest habitat for birch (2176 m a.s.l.) was found on the Mount Etna slopes in Sicily (Browicz, 1979). In the Tatra Mountains, birches can be found at a maximum altitude of 1478 m a.s.l. (Pawłowski, 1956). Betula pendula Roth. and Betula pubescens Ehrh. are the most widespread species in the temperate climatic zone.

Although birches are considered tolerant of a wide spectrum of habitat conditions (Bown, 1995), their highest biomass production is reported at fertile sites (Hynynen et al., 2010). Birches commonly occur in natural forests and on abandoned arable lands as a result of secondary succession or afforestation. Typically, they can be found in moderately moist mineral soils developed from sands of varied origin; however, they also occur on dry soils associated with aeolian covers, fertile soils developed from fine-grained glacial and fluvio-glacial deposits, moist Fluvisols, as well as Histosols and Gleysols permanently saturated with water. Since birches prefer rather acidic soils, they are rarely observed on Rendzinas and other soils developed from calcareous substrates. Low habitat requirements and a tolerance for a wide spectrum of environmental conditions make them a species with a high potential for succession. Their pioneering characteristics include rapid growth in youth, the ability to grow in unfavourable habitats, early fertility and seed dispersal by wind (Úradníček et al., 2009, Špulák et al., 2010). However, they are characterised by low shade tolerance (Hynynen et al., 2010). Due to high resistance to chemical pollutants, birches are suitable for the reclamation of degraded areas (Ulbrichová et al., 2005) and are considered a soil “improver” (Gardiner, 1968). Moreover, Renou-Wilson et al. (2010) recommend birch afforestation as an after-use option for industrial cutaway peatlands." - The influence of birch trees (Betula spp.) on soil environment – A review

Benefits of Birch

Biodiversity

Threats to Birch Trees

Fungi 

Birch Dieback

"Planted birch appears to be susceptible to birch dieback, which is caused by two fungal pathogens – Marssonina betulae and Anisogramma virgultorum. Naturally regenerated birch (grown from seed fallen from a tree) appears to be less prone to this disease." - Woodland Trust: Silver Birch

Resources & Guides

• The Value of Birch in Upland Forests for Wildlife Conservation (PDF)