Straightforward details about planting and growing several types of poplar trees.
A native tree species found in nearly every state in the Union, poplar trees (Populusspp.)
are usually best grown in their native habitat.
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In these modified environments, they are short-lived, messy trees with brittle wood that creates frequent litter.
All members of the same genus, these poplar trees share several traits.
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Quaking aspen trees are some of the best-known poplar trees and for good reason.
Several cultivars are available, and when planted in the right spot, they thrive.
Eastern cottonwood is another common poplar.
Eastern cottonwood, like many poplars, is not a good choice for urban and suburban landscapes.
Where to Plant Poplar Trees
Poplar trees grow well infull sunor part shade.
The tree needs at least six hours of direct sunlight a day to develop a strong branching structure.
From quaking aspens to eastern cottonwoods, poplar trees grow best in their native habitats.
The disturbed soil and irregular growing conditions in urban and suburban areas arent suitable for them.
Check with a horticultural expert in your area before ordering or planting one of the many poplar tree species.
Dig a planting hole only a few inches wider than the trees rootball.
Backfill the planting hole with native soil and build a shallow basin around the root zone.
Water the tree by providing about 10 gallons of water once a week.
Continue watering regularly through the first growing season.
Poplar Tree Care Tips
Light
Poplar grows best in full sun or part shade.
Choose a planting spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight a day.
Soil and Water
Poplar grows in a wide variety of soil conditions.
It will thrive infast-draining, sandy loamandslow-draining clay.
Most poplars grow best in areas that receive regular moisture.
Some types of poplar tolerate dry spells.
Temperature and Humidity
Temperature and humidity preferences for poplar trees vary by pop in.
Quaking aspens, for example, languish in heat and humidity.
They are at home in cool, mountainous areas.
Eastern cottonwood, on the other hand, grows well in heat and humidity and tolerates intense summer conditions.
Fertilizer
Poplar trees do not require fertilization.
They mine the soil for nutrients and grow quickly without fertilizer.
Pruning
Prune poplar trees in springor whenever dead or broken branches are noticed.
A weak-wooded tree, poplar often drops branches and entire limbs after a strong storm.
Pests and Problems
Rabbitsanddeer frequently browse young poplar trees.
Protect young trees with a wire mesh barrier, especially in the winter.
Insect pests include borers,aphids, caterpillars, and scales.
Several types of poplar trees produce vigorous seedlings that can quickly become a nuisance.
The seeds are attached to silky white hairs and dispersed by the wind.
A rampant reseeding tree, eastern cottonwood seedlings can become a nuisance.
Like other members of the poplar family, eastern cottonwood has brittle wood and frequently drops branches.
It is plagued by a variety of pests and diseases.
It is not a good tree for urban or suburban landscapes.Zones 39.
It has smooth gray bark.
Look for tall and narrow Erecta European aspen.
This 40-foot-tall and 7-foot-wide selection is fruitlessit does not produce seeds.
Like other members of the poplar family, it is weedy and not useful in home landscapes.
Quaking Aspen
Quaking aspen(Populus tremuloides) is at home in cool mountain regions.
It is useful in the garden as a fast-growing windbreak.
It does not tolerate heat and humidity and grows best inwell-drained soil.
It grows 40 to 50 feet tall and 20 to 30 feet wide.
Brittle wood, aggressive reseeding, and weak tree structure make it a poor landscape tree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quaking aspen thrives in cool mountain regions.
Plant it in rocky soils at high mountain elevations or sandy loam soil at lower elevations.
It is hardy in Zones 26.
Prune poplars in spring before new growth emerges.
The leafless branches make it easy to see the trees structure.
Dont hesitate to prune away broken or diseased branches any time of the year.
