Planting aspen trees
gusman14
19 years ago
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bpgreen
19 years agoRosa
19 years agoRelated Discussions
Aspens with canker - can I plant fruit trees nearby?
Comments (6)Ian: I am not a disease expert on Colorado trees, but it puzzles me why you would choose to replace the infected (or not yet) Aspens as they "need to come down". Nor am I familiar with cytospora disease, but it is apparently quite contagious to nearby trees. To me, the most logical course of action with a line of trees that are either infected now, or will be in the next few years, would be to get them all out of there pronto. If you plan to eventually replace the trees with fruit bearing species, I don't see much reason to do that serially either. Since part of your plan seems to be the visual effect of a line of new trees, it would seem better to have them all be approximately the same age and stage of development, rather than several larger trees alternating with smaller ones. I certainly agree with the CSU analysis that the overall health of a tree, especially fruit trees that generally require a higher level of care than decorative species, depends at least partially on healthy soil with all the needed elements present. This can usually be achieved with soil tests, and amending as required. The use of organic mulches around fruit trees is one way to provide small amounts of micronutrients, and conserve soil moisture at the same time. But with fruit trees, pruning to keep the trees open to light and air, and prompt removal of branches beginning to show disease, can also contribute to long-term health. Dormant spraying with oil and fungicides like copper can also delay or eliminate many fruit tree maladies. You can accumulate a list of trees diseases with Latin names as long as your arm, but you will not really know whether fruit trees will prosper in your yard until you try it by planting some. Sure, there are lots of disease threats out there, and nearly all of us who grow fruit trees have to deal with them, but careful observation and attention, combined with prompt remedial measures when indicated, can go a long way toward controlling them or eliminating them entirely. Don Yellman, Great Falls, VA...See Moreany reason not to plant aspen trees?
Comments (16)Fenix- You and I have some things in common. I also have 30 acres that was recently farmland. I have turned about half of into a reforestation project. I have planted nearly 100 different kinds of trees, with the majority being natives that I purchased from the MO Dept of Conservation. I originally planted around 6000 seedlings (about 10x10 spacing) in sharply curved rows (to allow for a more natural look and also allow for periodic mowing). This past summer's drought took out about 2000 seedlings. I planted 1000 of the 2000 replacements this past fall - 500 were quaking aspens. I know they are marginal around here, but I have seen successful plantings. They are beautiful year round and are fast growing. I really fell in love with them on my families trips to Colorado. I especially am looking forward to seeing how they look mixed with my conifers. I would say - go for it. John...See Moredistance to plant Aspen trees
Comments (5)"I'm not sure that all the roots are shallow" Agree - in common with other poplars and willows, aspens are among the most deeply-rooting of trees. Which is a large part of the reason these are such a problem for foundations on clay soils, they root deep enough to get in under the foundations. They also have plenty of surface roots as well, but that's a separate issue in causing problems for gardening! Resin...See MorePlanting Aspen Trees.
Comments (9)Hi. I have lived in Colorado most of my life and am familiar with aspens and the problems gardeners have with them. My daughter & son-in-law live in a neighborhood in Ft. Collins in which aspens were planted as a regular part of the initial landscaping in most of the homes in about 1984. They had to remove a large (25') aspen and a smaller offshoot one (9') this past May due to what appeared to be a fungal disease which caused large galls on the stems and branches. They have been fighting the invasive roots which produce baby aspens Every Year! No problems w/ roots invading the basement walls, thankfully, but they do wish that a less invasive tree had been chosen. Sorry, I would not recommend growing aspen as part of the landscape to anyone who lives at an elevation less than about 7500'. They just do not do well at lower altitudes. To verify this for yourself, drive up in the mountains along Hwy 285 up to Fairplay. There are some awesome aspen groves on the eastern side of Kenosha Pass. Get out and look around at the environment in which they live. Can you provide the same conditions in your backyard? Alternative trees I would recommend include: Western Redbud English Hawthorn Crabapple - either Prairie Fire or Indian Magic Purple Leafed Plum Best luck to you; please let me know if this has been helpful!...See Moredelray
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