Aspen forests are most often found in northern Lower Michigan and the Upper Peninsula and are dominated by trembling (quaking) aspen and big-toothed aspen, both of which are shade-intolerant, fast growing, and short-lived. ... Overall, aspen birch forests covered less than one percent of Michigan in the mid 1800’s.
What zones do aspen trees grow?
Aspen is native to the west and east coasts of the United States, according to the University of Connecticut, and is hardy to USDA hardiness zones 1 to 7 , which includes most parts of central eastern California. Plant it wherever you have full sun and moist, well-drained soil, preferably near water.
Where do aspen trees grow best?
They grow in Alaska and Canada , all the way south to Mexico. They withstand such a wide range of climatic conditions by growing at lower altitudes in the north and higher altitudes in the south. Quaking aspens are conspicuously absent from the Southeast because there are no high-elevation mountains where it can live.
Can I plant an aspen tree in my yard?
Aspen trees grow very quickly and are very hardy . That means that you can “furnish” a new backyard in just a few seasons if you plant aspens. Aspens are small and won’t overwhelm your yard, and sometimes they provide nice autumn color.
Where do aspen trees grow in the US?
Most of the aspen forest in the United States is found in Utah and Colorado , though it is also scattered throughout all of the western states.
Do aspen trees have invasive roots?
Growing up to 50 feet tall with a 25 foot spread, Aspen trees produce root systems that grow well past their drip lines in search of nutrients, oxygen and moisture. ... Any pieces that fall to the ground can potentially root and propagate the tree in an undesired location.
Do aspen trees need lots of water?
Aspen aren’t terribly drough-tolerant trees so watering regularly is a must . However, they can be overwatered just like everything else. Also, take a close look at the trunk of the tree from the soil line up past the first several branches.
How long do aspen trees take to grow?
Size. The quaking aspen grows to a height of 40–50′ and a spread of 20–30′ at maturity. It grows at a fast rate, with height increases of more than 24′′ per year .
Do aspen trees damage foundations?
Aspens form surface roots and primarily propagate by sending out root suckers that form new trees connected to the mother plant. ... Fortunately, aspens do not usually grow large enough to damage foundations or cement , due to their short lifespan.
When should you plant aspen trees?
The best time is spring, after the chance of frost is passed . If you live in a warm area in a hardiness zone higher than zone 7, you should transplant aspens in early spring. An aspen seedling transplant in spring gives the young aspen ample time to establish a healthy root system.
What can I plant instead of aspen?
A superior alternative is Bigtooth Maple (Acer grandidentatum) . Growing to a mature height and spread of 30′ by 20′ (nearly identical to an Aspen), this under-used native maple tree rewards you with great form and texture, as well as brilliant fall colors of orange, red and yellow.
What are the worst trees to plant?
- Red Oak. Red oak is one messy tree. ...
- Sweetgum Trees. Sweetgum Trees are known for their lovely fall colour. ...
- Bradford Pear. ...
- Lombardy Poplar. ...
- Ginkgo biloba. ...
- Eucalyptus. ...
- Mulberry. ...
- Weeping Willow.
Are aspen trees all connected?
This means that a tree grows roots near the surface of the ground from which new trees sprout. The new trees are genetically identical to the parent tree. This process of reproduction can grow vast forests of aspen that are all interconnected by roots and are one genetic individual.
Are aspen trees poisonous?
populus tremuloides – Michx. Possible toxic effects due to salicylates (e.g. heartburn, tinnitus). Avoid with ulcers, stomach or peptic ulcers [301].
What’s wrong with my aspen tree?
Aspens are affected by a variety of fungal problems that affect the foliage, including leaf spot, aspen leaf blight, and rust . Most of these diseases can defoliate the tree.
Are aspen and birch trees the same?
Although aspen are somewhat similar in appearance to some species of birch , birch trees belong to an entirely different family of trees. ... Whereas aspen leaves are perfectly flat, birch leaves are slightly “V” shaped and more elongated than Quaking Aspen leaves.
