Quaking Aspen - Not A Good Choice For The Home Landscape

Quaking Aspens (Populus tremuloides) are some of the most beautiful native trees in Utah.  Found all over the Western United States, and Canada and Mexico, Quaking Aspen add dramatic and contrasting  colors, textures and shapes to our foothills and mountains.  Because of the Aspens interesting white bark, bright green leaves and golden fall color, many gardeners choose to plant Aspens in their home landscapes. Unfortunately, at lower elevations, this can be a big mistake.  At higher elevations (above 5000 feet above sea level) they grow better.  But in the valleys of the Wasatch Front, Aspens typically suffer from a combination of diseases and pest infestations that cause them to die.  But before that happens, they often send sucker trees under the ground which will sprout new trees all over the place.  There are many better choices for a small tree in the home landscape.  Aspens are best enjoyed in the wild.

Quaking Aspens in Wasatch Mountains