Landscaping in Colorado: A Guide to Growing Your Own Aspen Tree
Aspen is Colorado’s luxury capital, and no plant embodies Aspen luxury more than the Aspen Tree. If you just moved into your new Aspen home or wish to revitalize your garden, you cannot go wrong with planting a quaking Aspen tree. Known scientifically as the Populus tremuloides, this majestic tree is drought-tolerant, hardy, and breathtaking, with its rich green leaves offering a stunning contrast to the white bark. The Aspen tree is also native to Colorado, making it the perfect way to announce your arrival in this vibrant town. Here is everything you need to know to grow it.
Pick Your Tree
As your Aspen realtor shows you around town, ask them to show you the best local nursery and garden supply store. This is the ideal place to buy your Aspen tree seedling. The ideal time to plant this tree is Spring, which is when you should source your tree. Find a reputable seller so you can find pest and disease-free options. While this does not mean they will be completely invulnerable to disease, it is an important measure because Aspen trees are susceptible to various pests and diseases.
Prepare the Growing Space
Once you have your tree, you need to prepare the growing space. Aspen trees do well in the sun, but they can tolerate partial shade. Find a spot in your yard that does not receive too much direct sun, such as the south-side facing part of your home, and prepare the soil. Aspen trees do well in light, well-drained soil. If the soil in your preferred spot is dense, try to replace it with high-quality topsoil. Add some sand to the mix to improve the drainage and compost for nutrients.
Plant Your Tree
Dig a hole and place the Aspen tree seedling into it upright. Make sure the tree does not tilt to either side and gently fill the hole with the soil mixture you prepared. Once the tree is situated in the hole, gently tamp down the soil around the base of the tree to provide extra support. Do not use too much force, however, because Aspen trees do not do well in compact soil.
Maintain Your Tree
Your tree needs love and care to grow. Immediately after you plant it, water it slowly for a long time until the soil is deeply soaked. Make sure your motion is slow and continuous rather than short and sporadic. Lay a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to preserve this moisture and stabilize the tree with ties for the first few weeks. After that and for the first year of growth, water consistently.
Cautions to Take
The Aspen tree grows very fast and has a highly aggressive root system. Plant is at least 10 feet from other trees and your home’s foundation or utility lines.
Explore Aspen Homes for Sale with Carrie Wells
Landscaping is exciting, especially in Aspen, where the backdrop is panoramic and breathtaking. But before you go tree shopping, you need to find the perfect home. Carrie Wells has years of experience in the Aspen real estate market and can guide you to your dream property, be it a single-family home, luxury property, or ski house. Call her office today to get started.
