The propagation success I didn't expect with Silver Birch

I started with one Silver Birch and now have four, all from propagation. The process is straightforward once you understand formative pruning in the first five years to build a clear leader — something I picked up from trial and error rather than any guide.

I display them in a boundary or avenue planting in a larger space which shows off multi-decade investment that improves year on year at its best. full canopy providing shade and habitat in summer is when they're most impressive. honey fungus affecting roots especially on stressed trees has been my main challenge across all of them, but it's manageable now that I know what to look for. A genuinely generous plant if you let it be.