Watering

• During the drier spring months, birch trees need a lot of water. The Department of Agriculture suggests a slow, deep watering for about two to three hours every week to keep the tree hydrated. Lay your hose on the ground close to the roots and allow the water to run slowly. By late August, you'll need to slow down on watering as you prepare the tree for winter.
  
  

Pruning

• Birch trees don't need excessive pruning. Pruning too much during spring increases sap flow, which attracts beetles and other pests. If you need to prune, wait until autumn when the birch tree goes into dormancy.
  
  

Insect Control

• Two major pests that attack birch trees are the birch leaf miner and the bronze birch borer. While leaf miners don't kill the tree, they do reduce their appearance, causing the leaves to turn brown. The birch borer is a small beetle that preys on already weakened trees.