columnar aspen

17 years ago

Hi all,

We have a couple columnar aspen between our house and our neighbors. They are tall enough now (~20 feet) that they provide excellent screening. Can I cut the tops off to keep them that height? Would they begin to sucker? Would they die? Would they spread out?

Thanks!

Keith

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

pineresin
17 years ago
They'd begin to sucker, and they'll also send up new tops which will be weakly attached and liable to break in gales. Not a good idea!

Resin
izzie
17 years ago
Sorry to say this..those things get real ugly, have you seen mature ones? They don't live more than 30 years. parents neighbor did the same thing, but they never kept them cut back. cost a fortune to have 10 of them removed. Why not plant a hedge type plant? Also, are the root invasive? will they damage your houses foundation?
Related Professionals
Tuscaloosa Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Frederick Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Charlotte Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Dayton Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Chambersburg Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Clarksville Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Traverse City Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Oxnard Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Starkville Landscape Contractors · New Braunfels Landscape Contractors · Elkton Home Additions · Chula Vista Home Additions · Napa Home Additions · San Jose Home Additions · Longview Home Additions
pineresin
17 years ago
Yes, the roots are invasive. Damage to foundations could occur at up to 30m range on some clay soils; unlikely to be a problem on sandy soils.

Resin
Dan _Staley (5b Sunset 2B AHS 7)
17 years ago
Never top a tree.

Dan
cascadians
17 years ago
We planted a few quaking aspens 3 years 5 months ago. This spring they have really grown. Beautiful. So far no suckers. Must be at least 20' tall. Took out an 8' lodgepole a couple weeks ago from the base of one, roots haven't grown much, surprised. Alongside a creeklet, ground moist, water table solid 2' down. So graceful, wouldn't want to ever cut tops off.