WHAT´S UP WITH ALL THOSE BENT BIRCHES?

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Where: All of Sweden

When: All year around

What: Bent birch trees

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As I hiked through the forest, I couldn't help but notice the strangely bent birch trees. It was as if someone had pulled the plug and let the air out. When I asked around, nobody seemed to know why these trees grow like this. So, I decided to investigate. Here is what I found ...

1. SNOW AND ICE

The most likely cause. In northern climates like Sweden’s, birches often bend under the weight of snow and ice. These delicate, slender trees have relatively heavy crowns, and when winter comes, the added load can make them buckle. That bend may partially straighten in spring, but if the angle was sharp, the curve often becomes permanent.

Field studies back this up: in young birch stands, around 31 % of trees show significant stem bending from snow or freezing rain. Most of these bends—over 90 %—don’t just spring back. Some trees do recover over time, but if the bend was more severe than about 45°, it's likely to remain.

2. FLEXIBILITY AS A SURVIVAL STRATEGY

Birch trees are surprisingly flexible. Their ability to bend helps them survive strong winds and heavy snow loads—they move rather than break. This flexibility is a natural advantage in harsh northern climates

3. GROWING TOWARDS THE LIGHT

Birches growing in shaded parts of the forest may slowly curve toward available sunlight—a process called phototropism. In dense undergrowth, this lean can become noticeable over time

Today, during another hike in the forest, I stumbled upon several bent birch trees again. I paused to take a picture. The curve of the trees seemed to reflect their willpower to withstand the harsh northern elements. As I stood there, the sight left me with a newfound appreciation for these bowing birches and their impressive ability to adjust and survive in their challenging environment.