River Birch in Standing Water: Wrong Species for Pond Edge

Owner wants to plant 15-ft river birch in 12 inches of water at pond edge (winter only; summer water drops).

Answer: No

River birch grows near water, not in it. Roots need oxygen; standing water suffocates them, killing the tree.

Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) is one of the few trees that thrives with roots in water. Ideal for this situation.

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