Quaking Aspen Tree Facts

Quaking aspen tree, also called trembling aspens, are named for their leaves. Flat leaves attach to branches with lengthy stalks called petioles, which quake or tremble in light breezes.

It is a deciduous tree native to cooler areas of North America, one of several species referred to by the common name Aspen. If there were a Guinness Book of World Records for trees, the quaking aspen would be in it – several times.

Quaking Aspen Tree Facts

This is one of the most widespread trees in North America.  The main reason for this is its ability to grow so well in the mountains.  In fact, they make up one of the main forest communities in the Rockies – the fir-aspen zone.

Tree Type

This tree is considered both a shade tree and an ornamental tree. It features a spreading canopy capable of blocking sunlight and adds visual interest and beauty to landscaping.

Size

The quaking aspen grows to a height of 40–50′ and a spread of 20–30′ at maturity. It grows at a fast rate, with height increases of more than 24″ per year.

Attributes 

• Provides stunning yellow fall color.
• Adds movement and a soft, pleasant sound to the landscape due to the “quaking” leaves.
• Has smooth, greenish-white to cream bark on a long, narrow trunk.
• Sends up sprouts from its shallow, wide-spreading roots.
• Is used to make products such as toys, tongue depressors, popsicle sticks, clothes pins, crates and paper pulp.
• Features rounded, triangular leaves with small teeth on the margins and arranged alternately on the branches.
• Produces long, silvery catkins typically in April and May.
• Yields tiny seeds that are dispersed by the wind on cottony tufts in late spring.
• Grows in an oval shape.
• Is one of the first trees to spring up after a forest fire.

How to Grow Quaking Aspen Trees

If you decide to go ahead with planting a quaking aspen tree, try to pick nursery-grown specimens rather than those taken from the wild. Nursery grown trees require less quaking aspen tree care and may avoid some of the disease issues the tree experiences in cultivation. A large part of quaking aspen tree care involves selecting an appropriate planting location. Plant the trees in moist, well-drained soil. The soil should be slightly acidic for the tree to thrive.

Arbor Hills Tree Farm & Nursery Omaha

We provide the Highest Quality Field Grown Nebraska Trees and Shrubs – directly to our customers, at the lowest possible price.

Whether you are looking for trees for:

• new home landscaping
• wind blockage
• commercial or residential

Arbor Hills will work with you to provide the most beautiful Nebraska grown trees available. We grow most of our tree inventory and transport in bulk in early spring – to a holding site in West Omaha for distribution. Most trees can be delivered and planted within 5 to 7 days if you reside in the Omaha metro area. We also source other high quality trees and shrubs from other growers to supply the Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa market.