Weeping Birch? I'm not sure, help please!

TreeNewbie

Hello!

Wondering if you guys can help out identifying this tree for me.

Im in the process of purchasing a home and frankly, the yard needs some attention. I lately have been scouring the net, looking into potential trees. I have always adored the weeping willow. Yet the more I read up on them, they supposedly are not the greatest for residential use. And this happens to be somewhat of a small yard I have to work with. They say a Weeping willows roots will no doubt either destroy plumbing, foundation, or the sidewalk if not given the proper space to grow.

Sadly, I started looking into different trees. Perhaps I can find one resembling the weeping willow that will satisfy my taste.

After looking around a bit, I found these trees and snapped some shots. According to the net, Its maybe a Weeping Birch? Or a Silver Birch? Im not sure. There seem to be a few Birch species that have the weeping resemblance. And I want to know precisely what this species is in the photos. And maybe even some advice on trees I have yet to discover that have the weeping trademark. Im located in zones 4-6 I think, here in SE Idaho.

I appreciate the help!

TreeNewbie

TrevMcRev

The trees in the pics are likely Silver Birch Betula pendula

Not a bad tree at all so long as you have good rainfall, they struggle with drought.

rbtree

Bronze birch borer is killing or damaging a slew of birch in Wa State, for what its worth......

other than that, birch thrive throughout the west, and are cold hardy, so should be fine in your area.

TreeNewbie

Thanks guys I appreciate it.

To be more specific, is it the betula pendula "tristis"? Ive seen that name here and there on the net. Not sure if its a different species or merely a name called in different areas.

And yes... probably 1/4 of the betula pendulas I noticed around my area are dying. Wasn't sure if they were just old or if it was due to infestation of some sort.

Does anyone know the growth rate of these by chance? I'm impatient and want a good size tree... right now Thats also another reason I was looking into Weeping Willow, growth rate was fast.

Once again, I appreciate the help!

Garry Brockley

if you plant a weeping willow it is good advice to keep them away from any scource of water i.e. drains, down pipes, streams, ect as they have a very invasive root system i have removed willow roots from drains at 35meters away uk councils are telling people to not plant near houses. Salix alba tristix will also completely take over the area you plant them and stop most light

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Treeson

Looks like silver birch (Betula pendula).
Make great trees for smaller sections. Keep in mind the seeds produced in catkins as they dry, they get into everything.