how far apart to plant aspen trees

Aspen trees should be planted far enough from the house so that the roots will not be restricted by the foundation. We suggest that you plant them at least 10 feet apart so the mature trees will not overlap each other.

How quickly do aspen trees grow?

This tree grows at a fast rate, with height increases of more than 24" per year.

Are aspen tree roots invasive?

One of the key characteristics of quaking aspen's growth habit is how the tree propagates. ... This means the large stands of aspens on the side of a mountain are considered one single organism. It's the root sprouts that make quaking aspen a nuisance tree when grown in your yard.

How wide do aspen trees get?

Aspen are medium-sized deciduous trees, commonly 20 to 80 feet in height, and 3 to 18 inches diameter. Trees more than 80 feet tall and larger than 24 inches diameter are occasionally found. Their bark is smooth, greenish-white, yellowish-white, yellowish-gray, or gray to almost white in color.

Should I plant aspen trees in my yard?

Aspen. Quaking aspen trees have showy autumn foliage and attractive bark for winter landscapes. A single tree can spawn an entire grove with its weedy suckers, making it a potential maintenance nightmare if it's planted in a small yard or too close to neighboring properties.

Do aspen trees need lots of water?

Aspen trees need plenty of water during the first few weeks following planting. One trick to guarantee enough water during the first six weeks is to lay a soaker hose under the mulch. After the first six weeks, make sure that you let the soil dry before you water the tree again.

Why do aspen trees die?

The die-offs are seen most dramatically at lower elevations where drought and hotter temperatures are killing older trees. ... “As you get hot dry conditions, taller aspen trees have to pull water up from the soil more strongly and it creates bubbles in the water and blocks the transport of water and nutrients up the tree.

Do aspen trees damage foundations?

Fortunately, aspens do not usually grow large enough to damage foundations or cement, due to their short lifespan. ... However, it is still susceptible to pests and diseases like the native aspen and can decline rather quickly.

What are the worst trees to plant?

Trees known for their rather undesirable qualities, and why you should steer clear of them.

Cottonwood. One of the trees you should avoid having in your backyard is certainly cottonwood. ...
Bradford Pear. ...
Mimosa Tree. ...
Mulberry Tree. ...
Chinese Tallow. ...
Norway Maple. ...
Eucalyptus. ...
Quaking Aspen.

Are aspen trees bad?

However, aspen is a paradox – a beautiful mountain tree that makes a poor landscape tree. Aspens can be useful ornamental plants in some situations. ... These harsh conditions are bad for aspens by themselves, but they also increase aspen's susceptibility to insect and disease attack that can quickly harm or kill them.

What grows under aspen trees?

Soapwort, Sedum varieties, thymes varieties, mints, oreganos, catnip, Marjoram, sage, hyssop, and savory are also drought resistent.

What do you call a group of aspen trees?

Called "Pando," which is Latin for “I spread," the group of quaking aspens is considered one of the largest — by area — and most massive living organisms on earth. The quaking aspen, found from coast to coast across North America, grows in groups called stands.

Are aspen and poplar the same tree?

Members of this group of trees may be called cottonwoods, poplars, or aspens, depending on what species they are. None-the-less, they are all members of the same genus, Populus.

What is the best fertilizer for aspen trees?

You can use regular water-soluble plant fertilizers for your aspen and other deciduous trees and shrubs. Miracle-Gro is a popular choice, but you can also choose an organic fertilizer, like one from Age-Old Organics.

Are Quaking Aspen good trees?

Quaking aspens grow natively in many areas of the country, namely in the Rocky Mountain area. They grow very quickly, provide a wonderful finishing touch to a suburban yard, and quiver delightfully in the breeze. ... As other trees grow taller around them, the aspen clones will likely die out.

Can you cut the top off an aspen tree?

Never pinch the topmost branches of an aspen. Topping, tipping or shearing an aspen tree creates an unnatural shape and may cause diseases later in the aspen's life.

How do you stop aspen trees from spreading?

Barriers to Stop Aspen Roots

Trees anchor and spread quickly with this particular adaptation. One strategy to prevent root spread is the use of barriers. Commonly constructed of plastic or metal, thick sheets are installed vertically in the ground along the tree's perimeter, such as between the aspen and your garden.

What is the white powder on Aspen trees?

The dead cells persist on the thin Aspen bark as a white powder which, under a microscope, looks like a form of snow known as grapple (graupel).

How do you take care of an aspen tree?

Be sure to monitor your soil's moisture level to ensure your aspens have enough water. You may also need to water aspens in winter (when there's no snow on the ground) to keep them hydrated. Also spread mulch on the soil around trees to retain soil moisture; just be sure to keep mulch away from trees' trunks.

Why do aspen trees turn yellow?

As the dormancy approaches the chlorophyll leaves the leaf and it leaves the carotenoids, which causes the orange or yellow color. So in the fall the Aspens change color by the chlorophyll leaving the leaf and the carotenoids dominating the leaf color until they eventually fall off to frost or high wind."

Do deer eat aspen trees?

Deer, moose, and elk seek shade from aspen groves in summer. These same animals consume bark, leaves, buds, and twigs of quaking aspens throughout the year. Ruffed grouse are especially dependent on quaking aspens for food and nesting habitat.