Backbudding birch

[Matte91]

Hello.

Does Birches back bud on old wood? If yes. When would be the best time to cut it to a stump?

Thanks in advance!

 

[jerzyjerzy]

No, not really, they do not back bud (in my experience).

If you cut it to a stump without any live branches, the stump will die, and the tree will grow suckers from the root ball.

 

[Mikecheck123]

In my limited experience, they back bud just fine.

 

[penumbra]

It may have a bit to do with the type of birch but I have found them generally reluctant to back bud.

 

[Eckhoffw]

One sure way to find out right?
Knowing very little about birch, I’d still go for chopping and collecting at once- in spring after threats of severe weather.

 

[Eckhoffw]

That said, if that tree will be missed if it dies, well may not be worth it.

 

[jerzyjerzy]

In my limited experience, they back bud just fine.

A lot depends on the tree's age. Only young trunks/branches with young bark will easily buck bud. The tree shown in the first post, with such an old, fissured bark, will never back bud after chopping.