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Question from Jim, Midway, UT (received 5/14/20) -
We have quite a few aspen trees that are 25 to 30 years old. I believe the developer planted them because they grow quickly. I've been told they are not good trees for a yard due to typical dying at 25 to 30 years. Some people in my development want to keep them and tell me they will live for 80 years if cared for. We have had half of the trees just die so far.
Are aspens good trees for a yard and should we consider replanting new aspen trees where the old one died? Or are we better off finding a more suitable tree? Any alternative suggestions for Midway? This has become a very divisive issue in my community with half claiming one thing the other have claiming the opposite. I need help finding out what an expert knows that does not have a financial interest in the outcome.
Thank you so much for you help and consideration!
Best,
Jim
Answer from Gabrielle Harden, USU Forestry Extension Educator (sent 5/14/20) -
Jim,
Here is a very useful fact sheet we produced regarding aspen.
I can understand why there is a battle in your community. Aspen are quite beautiful and grow quickly. On the other hand, they can be extremely invasive. As you may know, aspen can reproduce through suckers - seedlings that form from the roots of the parent tree. These are not stopped by concrete garden barriers or sidewalks. Aspen suckers will pop up all over your yard and garden beds and managing them is not a fun task. They will cross property lines and become a problem for your neighbors (though from the sounds of it, some of them may enjoy that). You can cut the suckers and reduce sprouting by using an herbicide but it weakens the parent tree and the sprouts will still come back.
Another issue is that while aspen is native in Utah, it is native at higher elevations. The conditions at our elevation (under 6,000 ft) are not ideal for aspen. It is too hot, too dry, and the soil pH is too high. These conditions will only shorten their life even more, while opening them up to the susceptibility of diseases and insects.
I would not recommend planting an aspen in your yard. I would opt for a tree that is better suited to your area. A list of uncommon, but excellent tree suggestions is available for review (I highly suggest you browse it over).
If you're looking for shade, you could plant a maple (Norway is very common here), but our high soil pH and lack of iron can cause chlorosis, which often occurs in maples planted here. The Kentucky Coffee Tree would do well in Midway - though the growth is on the slower side. Northern Catalpa would also be a good option - it is fast growing, drought tolerant, suitable for alkaline and clay soils, and attracts hummingbirds with its showy white flowers in the spring.
I hope this helps. Good luck!