Question
We have vacation property on the Lake Norman NC, near Charlotte.  We have lived on Lake Michigan for 34 years and love the white birch trees.  We would like to plant some white birch in NC.  Will this tree fair well in a clay soil and much warmer temperatures such as NC? When is the best time to plant? Any suggestions on how to plant?
Thank you

Answer
It is not going to do real well in the heat. They need good soil not too much clay and moist. The best time to plant any tree is in the fall after the tree is dormant. Dig the new hole twice the size of the rootball of the tree and fill with good top soil and mulch with not more than 3 inches of mulch to hold water. It will need to be watered during drought periods. You can try white birch but you might try river birch since it does grow in N.C.