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Quaking aspen

Populus tremuloides · Salicaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around quaking aspen and prepare for winter.

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ID card

Foliage
Deciduous
Flowering
Spring (catkins)
Adult size
49 to 82 feet tall
Growth
Fast
Hardiness
Very hardy (−40 °C)
Origin
North America
Soil type
Moist, well-draining, neutral to acidic

Care

Sun exposure

Aspen thrives in full sun and tolerates partial shade. It appreciates good light for optimal growth. Avoid overly shaded spots that would slow its development.

Watering

Water regularly during the growing season, especially in the first year after planting. Once established, aspen tolerates moisture variations well but prefers fresh soil. Avoid prolonged water stagnation.

Soil and drainage

Aspen likes loose, well-draining soil that's slightly acidic to neutral. It adapts to poor soils and doesn't require elaborate preparation. Ensure good drainage to prevent root suffocation in winter.

Pruning and trimming

Prune mainly in winter or late autumn, outside the sap season. Remove dead, crossing, or damaged branches to maintain a nice structure. Aspen doesn't need regular pruning; it develops naturally with elegance.

Fertilizing

Aspen needs only minimal fertilizer. A well-decomposed compost at the base in spring is enough. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would promote excessive growth at the expense of robustness.

Diseases and pests

Aspen can be affected by rusts, cankers, and occasionally wood-boring insects. Maintain good hygiene: remove affected branches and promote air circulation. Good tree vigor limits damage.

Did you know?

Aspen leaves are mounted on flattened petioles that allow them to tremble in the slightest breeze, hence its name. Native Americans used the bark for medicinal purposes, while aspen stands play a crucial ecological role as pioneers in natural reforestation after disturbances.

Where to buy it

Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.

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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.