In nature, they are usually found growing above a 5,000-foot elevation.
They grow best in their native habitat.
When planted in urban and suburban landscapes,quaking aspen(Populus tremuloides)tends to languish.
This tree doesn’t tolerate shade or dry soil.
It is cold hardy inUSDA Zones26.
Select a space that can accommodate a tree that reaches 40-50 feet and 20-30 feet wide at maturity.
It grows about 5 feet a year.
Dig a hole that is the same depth as the root ball and twice as wide.
If the soil is poor, amend it with organic matter or compost.
Backfill the hole halfway with the removed soil, and water it to remove any air pockets.
Fill the rest of the hole with soil and press down lightly with your hands.
To plant a windbreak or screen of quaking aspen trees, plant them about 10 to 12 feet apart.
Water the tree every week or two to keep the soil moist.
In winter, water the tree weekly unless snow falls.
Temperature and Humidity
These extremely cold-hardy trees thrive in high-mountain environments.
They need a cold winter and cool summer to look their best.
Thereafter, fertilize the tree in early spring with a balanced, slow-release,granular fertilizerfollowing the package directions.
Pruning
Anypruningto a quaking aspen tree is best done in winter while the tree is dormant.
However, it doesn’t need much pruning.
Remove dead or damaged limbs and any low-growing limbs if the tree grows where people walk under it.
A professional may need to be brought in for the job.
How to Propagate a Quaking Aspen Tree
Quaking aspen trees spread through their root systems.
They tend to put up suckers that many homeowners find annoying.
The roots run horizontally under the soil.
Move the soil aside and locate a root that is about a half-inch in diameter.
Cut a 4 to 6-inch section of the root with garden pruners and dip it inrooting hormone.
Place the container in a warm place.
Roots should form within four weeks and suckers not long after that.
The small trees and a section of root can be repotted into containers until planting time arrives.
Artemisia
Artemisiasare grown primarily for their silver foliage.
Artemesias enjoy full sun and are drought-tolerant.
Catmint
Fast-growingcatmintforms tidy little mounds of neat new foliage in spring.
The show is spectacular and lasts for weeks.
It grows in full sun or part sun and is drought-tolerant.
Coral Bells
Low-growingcoral bellsplants come in a rainbow of colors and are extremely low-maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
In the wild, quaking aspen trees live an average of 6070 years.
In those circumstances, they rarely live longer than 20 years.
Deer and elk eat the fallen leaves of this tree, as do rabbits and beavers.
The tree hosts many types of birds and butterflies.
If you have room, plant this tree in groups of three or more spaced 10-12 feet apart.
