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Dakota Pinnacle Birch Tree

Betula platyphylla 'Fargo'

Regular price $14643
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Plant Profile & Growing Essentials

Cold hardy, Fall Color/Interest, Wet Soils, Clay Tolerant, and Hedge/Screen

Specifications

  • Botanical Name
    Betula platyphylla 'Fargo'
  • Height
    35 ft
  • Width
    10 ft
  • Growing Zones
    3-7
  • Sunlight
    • Full sun
    • Partial shade
  • Growth Rate
    Moderate
  • Leaf Color
    • Green
    • Yellow
  • Fall Color
    Clear Yellow
  • Pollinator Friendly
    Yes
  • Bloom Period
    Late Spring

Planting & Care Instructions

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: This birch thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct light daily to maintain its tight, columnar shape. While it can tolerate light afternoon shade, too much shade often leads to a thinner canopy and less vibrant yellow fall color.
  • Soil: It prefers moist, well drained soil but is famously adaptable to the alkaline, heavy clay soils often found in the Midwest. If you have sandy soil, mix in organic compost to help hold moisture, as this tree does not like its roots to stay bone dry for long.

Watering Requirements

During the first two growing seasons, provide 10 to 15 gallons of water per week to help the root system expand into the surrounding soil. Once established, the Dakota Pinnacle is more drought tolerant than other birch varieties, but inconsistent moisture during heat waves can cause premature leaf drop or "scorched" leaf edges. Think of deep watering as insurance for the tree's distinctive white bark, as hydration helps the tree resist borers and environmental stress.

Pruning Tips

Always prune during the late fall or winter when the tree is dormant to avoid "bleeding" sap, which occurs if you cut in early spring. This variety naturally maintains a narrow, pyramidal form, so you should only need to remove crossing branches or broken wood to keep the structure clean. Pruning during dormancy also prevents attracting pests that are active during the warmer months.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release granular fertilizer in early spring just as the buds begin to swell. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer, as this encourages soft new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first hard freeze. This late season growth is very susceptible to winter kill and can compromise the tree's overall health.

A Real Northern Winner! Dakota Pinnacle® Birch Tree

  • Gorgeous Green Foliage
  • Strong Pyramidal Canopy
  • Vibrant Yellow Fall Color
  • White Exfoliating Bark
  • Four Seasons of Interest
  • Full Sun, Partial Shade
  • Hardier Than Other Birch Varieties
  • Great Planted Alone or in Rows
  • Seldom Bothered By Deer

Strong, hardy, and colorful are a few of the words that would aptly describe the Dakota Pinnacle® Birch Tree (Betula platyphylla 'Fargo'). This isn't just another tree, it's an opportunity to elevate the poise and posture of your landscape.

The show begins in the early spring, with bare branches leafing out and settling into dark green foliage. The leaves grow densely in a brilliant pyramidal shape. It'll have you conjuring up images of Egyptian masterpieces of the same shape.

That's not where the resemblance stops though. As fall approaches and the brisk breezes are just starting to make their appearance, this deciduous tree will burst into a jaw-dropping yellow. Birches are known for their fantastic fall color and Dakota Pinnacle® is no different.

Taking a walk among these trees in the fall is a real treat. Even as the rest of the trees are finishing their fall show, Dakota Pinnacle® will still be holding on to its leaves and continuing to wow onlookers with its golden color.

Have no fear though, even when it lets go of its foliage, it'll still be a sight to behold. Underneath the leaves is a stunning and starkly beautiful trunk. The smooth white bark stands out against the winter landscape and adds a fourth season of interest!

While other Birch trees might shy away from the harsh cold often found in the northern regions, Dakota Pinnacle® takes it in stride. Not only does it have a higher tolerance for cold, but it also won't be easily blown over in the wind that accompanies winter.

As if that weren't enough to pique your interest, this tree is quite drought-tolerant and has above-average resistance to Bronze Birch Borer!

Not sure what you're waiting for? Neither are we! These trees won't be in stock for very long. Order a Dakota Pinnacle® Birch tree for your landscape today!

How to Use Dakota Pinnacle® Birch in the Landscape

Let this strong deciduous birch be the star of your front lawn as a single specimen. It'll provide more than enough shade with its pyramidal canopy for an afternoon picnic or as a place to get comfy with a favorite book in the spring.

If you have a long driveway, you can plant Dakota Pinnacle® in rows along each side. They'll grow tall to greet your guests with inviting shades of green in the summer and vibrant yellow as the season turns.

Driveways aren't the only place this birch shines when planted in rows. Add them as a border along the edges of your yard or property to create a gorgeous garden wall.

It's a fantastic substitute for other Birches that might not take to the cold winters or have a shorter lifespan.

The white bark will make a great addition to your winter landscape, you'll want to plant it somewhere it can be admired all year long. Four seasons of interest is nothing to scoff at!

Have you been looking for the perfect background for your fall family photos? Few trees will hold their color and leaves as long as Dakota Pinnacle®. Feel free to schedule those photoshoots without the worry of losing your fall backdrop.

Pair with evergreens or maples to get the full fall spectrum of colors each year!

Plus, since this Birch is so tolerant of urban pollution, it won't have any problems thriving in your highly populated neighborhoods!

#ProPlantTips for Care

Dakota Pinnacle® might be hardier than the species as a whole, but there are still a couple of things you can do to ensure the happiest and healthiest tree possible.

Birch trees like cool, moist, and slightly acidic soil. When you're picking this tree's perfect home, it might be a good idea to try testing the soil to see what you're dealing with.

While many trees want as much sun as possible, Dakota Pinnacle® would be happy being in full sun or planted on east or north-facing slopes with partial sun.

You'll want to water well as it gets established and use mulch starting about an inch from the base of the trunk. This will help keep the roots evenly moist, a must for Birch trees.

Pruning probably won't be necessary, but if you'd like to give it the occasional trim, do so after it's done flowering for the season as Birch can leak sap when pruned too early. That will be sometime in the early to mid-spring.

Dakota Pinnacle® is one of the best Birch trees for colder climates. It still gives that amazing fall color while being able to weather the frigid winters with ease. Order one for your yard from our expert growers at Nature Hills Nursery!

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