The Silver Birch (Betula Pendula) is one of the most recognised and popular trees in Britain.  Its silvery white bark and drooping branches make this a very decorative tree for planting both as a landscape tree and in small gardens.  It may be a delicate looking tree but it is very hardy and like the rowan can be found growing on the side of mountains. The silver birch tree has been respected by pagan Celtic and Germanic tribes as it was thought to be a 'holy' tree with sacred powers of purification so twigs were used in the ritual of driving out the spirits of the old year. PRUNING Silver Birch (Betula Pendula) is advised in late summer or early autumn.  Take out branches that rub together or too close together.  Remove side shoots to create a clear trunk. The larvae of a large number of species of butterflies, moths, and other insects feed on the leaves and other parts of the silver birch