Quaking Aspen (Populus tremulus) grows fairly quick with adequate water to 18’X45′. Aspen do well in the clay soils but water is the key and they are very thirsty trees. Winter watering is crucial.
COMMON PROBLEMS:
Environmental:
Roots like to surface and sprout making it ideal for fields and open spaces where this won’t be an issue. Wood is weak and tends to break easily under wind or snow loads. Pruning can help but planting with maximum distance to targets such as paths, structures and streets is best. Because this tree actually reproduces though root sprouting it is ideal to let as many sprouts as possible grow and replace the older stems (trees) that will die.
Diseases:
Trunk cankers and leaf fungus (blights) are fairly common. Watering and fertilizing are the best deterrents. An anti-fungal or fungicide spray applied as the leaves begin to form in early spring will often reduce or eradicate leaf blights for the season.
PESTS:
Aphids
8.3%
Are often present but pose little threat to overall health. Oyster scale and polar borer are often a problem as a tree ages or if it is stressed. Oyster scale can be treated by scraping off or with a systemic insecticide. Poplar borer is difficult to treat.
CULTIVARS:
‘Pyramidalis’ Bolleana (white) poplar, A smaller more upright and narrow variety.
UPRIGHT EUROPEAN ASPEN
Growing quickly to 45’X15′ in a narrow columnar form this tree requires high soil moisture and regular watering. It does well in our clay soils and even in turf. It has flakey bark and yellow fall leaves.
HISTORY AND USE:
This tree is found throughout the Rocky Mountains and is a major attraction in the autumn as the foliage turns to a vibrant yellow. A very popular landscape choice with a bad rap for its tendency to have problems with pests and diseases. This is true but almost always due to cultural issues like insufficient watering practices.
Used in rustic furniture making.