Quaking Aspen

The Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) are a beautiful, tall growing evergreen tree that can take some serious cold! These fast growing, widely adaptable fall foliage beauties are well suited for USDA growing zones 2-6. They have a splendor of fall colors with their bright gold yellow leaves against their decorative white bark. Aspens fully mature to a height of 40-50 feet tall, 20-25 feet wide and are quite drought tolerant. The name "Quaking Aspen" comes from the shimmering, heart-shaped leaves as the wind passes through their canopies.

Choosing a location: Please plant your tree as soon as you can. This will give the tree a chance to adjust to its new environment. If you are experiencing extreme heat, place your potted tree in a well-shaded area, such as a garage, or plant it in a well-shaded area in your lawn. Once older, your tree will be able to handle these temperatures. Typically trees do not experience much growth during times of extreme temperatures.

Planting directions: Your planting site should be a full sun location receiving 6+ hours of direct sun every day. The Quaking Aspen is quite adaptable to many soil types but require well draining soil. They will not tolerate standing water for prolonged periods of time.
1) Dig your hole two times the width and depth of the root system of the plant your are working with. This will give the roots plenty of room.
2) Hold the tree straight as you begin back filling the hole with your gardening/native soil mixture.
3) Tamp down the soil as you go to eliminate any air pockets from forming.
4) Once the hole has been completely filled, water the area to settle the soil and then mulch to help keep weeds and grass from growing around the base of the tree.

Watering: During the first year, make sure your tree gets water during extended dry spells, particularly in the summer months. Drooping leaves are a sign of both over or under watering, so take great care of your tree.

Fertilizer: Fertilize conservatively. Organic fertilizer high in nitrogen works well. You can use a Miracle Grow 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 fertilizer formula. Avoid fertilizing the tree directly. Instead, fertilize the tree’s soil.

Weed Control: Keep weeds and grass two to three feet away from the tree in the first year. Pull the weeds initially and then you can use a growing mat or mulch. Do not spray roundup on a young tree and be careful that wind does not blow chemical drift on the tree.

Deer: If you think deer may be a problem then you may want to consider caging the tree(s). Deer have been found to adapt to different chemical treatments or sprays to deter them. Caging is the only definite way to keep them off of your tree(s).

Insects and Disease: The best defense is a healthy tree. Quaking Aspen Trees are very hardy. Good soil, proper feeding and keeping the tree from getting too much water are key to its prosperity. If worms bite holes in the leaves you can sprinkle sevin dust on them. These little bites do not affect the tree since it grows at such a fast rate and putting on so many new leaves.