Which type of birch tree is best for Northern California?

Answer 1

Looks like Northern California could be anything from USDA cold hardiness zone 7 to zone 10 along the coast. Most Birch trees are hardy in zones 3-6. The only birch that can tolerate up to zone 9 is the River Birch (Betula nigra). This probably would be your best bet for Northern California. They do need water, especially in the heat. They also prefer acidic soils. Heat, and dry, alkaline soils leads to stress, chlorosis and the ultimate demise of these trees.

Answer 2

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RE:
Which type of birch tree is best for Northern California?

Answer 3

Not nearly enough info. What zone are you in? What's your elevation?

I think most birch trees will probably be just fine. Even here in hot mountains of SoCal I have ordinary clumping white birch. But one did die, I think. A gopher! RRRR.

I also have a crimson frost birch. Lovely reddish leaves all year.

When I lived in Eureka I had a client (yardwork) with two different birches, the one I remember was a Paper Birch.

Look around your area. And see what is available. I think most any will work if you keep them well watered. (and don't let the gophers near!)

Answer 4

Birch trees (betula) are beautiful trees if grown in the proper areas. They need lots of water so if you have a creek, stream, river or body of water on your property all the better. a high water table is good too. Birch like moister soil than some trees and depend on a type of fungus to be healthy. And this fungus like moisture.
This not to say that you cant get the tree to grow but it could eventually die if it has to struggle to live. Does this help?