There are couple of words & phrases that have become some what synonymous with Colorado:
- Rocky Mountains
- 300 Days of Sunshine
- Beau Jo's Pizza
- Broncos, Av's and Rockies
- Vail
- Altitude Sickness
- Boulder
and of course...Aspen Trees. And while our aspens our absolutely lovely in the mountains, many people, especially when they first move to Colorado, think they are also absolutely perfect for their brand new home on the front range - nothing like really looking "Colorado", right? In fact some nurseries and garden stores will tell you that they are the #1 requested tree by tree-shoppers in the Denver Metro area. But should they be?
Probably not.
The truth is, that Aspens just do not do so well down here on the front range as people would like to think. 
There are a couple reasons for this. First of all, they grow best, up high, such as in Aspen, Colorado. Down toward Denver and the suburbs, we are much lower than where they flourish. The need cooler temps and the dry thinner soils that drain well. In addition, the conditions in Denver make aspen more suseptible to insect infestation and disease. Remember, when it comes right down to it, Denver is a dessert. All of that beautiful grass we water - well - that's Kentucky Bluegrass and its imported. Underneath is the thick clay soils - and the aspens don't like it so much.
Next there is the fact that the aspens are a grove root system growing tree, new shoots are continuously sprouting up, and with streets, sidewalks, homes and the like - the aspens don't like it so much. Neither does my lawn, my garden or my lawnmower.
Most people will find that aspens will last about 8 - 10 years in the Denver area - even if you are lucky & care for your trees exceptionally well, it would be unusual for the aspen tree to make it past 20 years. In my own case, first the leaves turn black and eventually they just didn't grow back in the spring. This left me with a dead tree in my yard. The tree I am cutting in the photo was 8 years old. Because the aspens are generally all in clumps, not every tree will die at the same time. But once one goes, it generally isn't long before the others follow.
So for me, I would rather not have to cut down anymore aspens in my own yard. I am going to listen to the experts and try other trees instead as I plant more. Many local garden shops & community organizations recommend different types of deciduous trees, such as birch, oak and maple and some fruit (pear, crabapple, plum, chokeberry trees) over the aspens for our local conditions. The photos here today are yours truly, going to work in my own yard after my own aspen tree has died. I started with a little razor saw and then my neighbor lent me this bad boy - it was way more fun.
When I want to view the aspens, or watch their leave turn to gold, I will be heading to the high country. If you are really persistent and want to try planting aspens in your yard anyway, look at this site here for some helpful tips that may assist you in being more successful with your aspens than I was.
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Steve Scheer, RE/MAX Masters, Inc.
Denver Real Estate
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