The genus Betula is commonly referred to as birch trees. Birch trees are common throughout all of North America. Many different birch species exist in New York including yellow birch, sweet birch, river birch, paper birch, gray birch and bog birch. Birch trees are pioneer species because they prefer bare land and can tolerate wind exposure. They are among the first tree species to repopulate a landscape after a disturbance. Birch trees require well drained soil and direct sunlight. They are most common along lakes, rivers, and along roads.

More than 24 different species feed on birch trees. Small animals like beavers and porcupines, birds like sapsuckers, chikadees, and grouses rely on birch trees. The Adirondacks experience intense winters and approximately 110,000 tons of salt is applied to roads annually.  Higher mortality of birch trees exist within short distances of highways. This exemplifies the negative effects that road salt can have on local vegetation. With less birch trees it is possible that invasive salt tolerant plants, which provide less nutrition to surrounding wildlife, may persist.