What is the life expectancy of a Birch tree, and 7 things you might not know about it?

Birches are often used in home landscaping.Birches are plentiful in the Alaskan wilderness and people are tapping the trees for sap.Birch trees can live over 300 years under optimal conditions.A tree's lifespan can be reduced to less than 20 years due to shallow root systems, lack of sunlight, diseases and insect damage.

In the Northeast, this versatile species is common.A white birch tree can live for up to 140 years.The tree is clearly identified by its papery white, peeling bark, which is sometimes referred to as Canoe Birch, Silver Birch or Paper Birch.These trees were used by Native Americans to make and seal watercraft.The trees most susceptible to damage from the birch borers are the ones most commonly tapped for syrup.

It can live for 80 to 130 years.The white bark of this tree is not as paper-like as the white Birch.There are rough black spots between the bands of white.The tree has a slightly darker color that makes it less vulnerable to damage.

The yellow birch has an average lifespan of 150 years.The golden yellow shredding bark of these trees is quite shaggy.The smell and taste of wintergreen will be released by crushing the twigs.