Wildlife value of Silver Birch — an unexpected bonus

I planted Silver Birch primarily for ornamental reasons. What I didn't anticipate was the wildlife it would attract. canopy habitat for birds, insects, and wildlife seems to be particularly appealing to bees and butterflies during the main growing period.

I grow it in a boundary or avenue planting in a larger space which allows me to watch the activity up close. full canopy providing shade and habitat in summer is the most active period for wildlife visits. formative pruning in the first five years to build a clear leader is important for keeping the plant healthy enough to flower well and provide that value. scale insects or aphids in the canopy attracting sooty mould is the thing to watch — it reduces flowering and therefore wildlife visits if left unchecked. A plant that earns its place twice over.