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 thinkhighlands ranch homeThere 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. 

chopping down dead aspen treeSo 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. 

dead aspen tree in Highlands RanchWhen 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

 

10 Comments on Denver Real Estate - Living in Metro Denver - Why Aspen Trees May Not Be The Best Choice For Your Denver Home

SEP
13
2007
317,828 Points 40 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Steve--This is great information. We have lots of aspen trees in a wooded area along the side of our home. They are great as they grow quickly and provide wonderfully coverage from the neighboring houses as we are on acreage and they are far from our home. If I lived on a city lot I would have them removed as every summer in a windstorm one or two will snap. These are not trees for city landscaping but are beautiful in rural areas.
4:42pm • #1
260,760 Points 67 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Awesome post, Steve. Apens are beautiful, but can be quite a pain ...
8:03pm • #2
187,851 Points 8 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Teri - You are right, they do grow quickly, which I think is one of the reasons they are appealing to some, especially for those buying new construction.  But you are also right that they do snap easily, I have seen that happen first hand as well. 
8:22pm • #3
187,851 Points 8 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Mariana - Although I did enjoy actually getting to use a chain saw, you are right, they can be a pain. 
8:23pm • #4
257,453 Points 26 Featured Posts Outside Blog
we have to be careful not to plant them to close to the drainfield of a septic system - they sprout out too much
11:05pm • #5
SEP
14
2007
187,851 Points 8 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Thesa - Yes, that certainly would not be a good thing. 
7:21am • #6
SEP
15
2007
243,089 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Not the point, but did you say Beau Jos! My favorite!
11:22pm • #7
5 Featured Posts
I can vouch for them sprouting everywhere.  They are all through my garden and growing up very close to the house.  I am going to have to get vicious with them, but they will get the last laugh.
11:35pm • #8
187,851 Points 8 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Yes Dena, Beau Jo's.  My son and I ate dinner at the Colorado Blvd. location this past week but we generally go to the one near me on County Line Rd. 
11:45pm • #9
187,851 Points 8 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Joanne - I had a little issue with my fence this summer.  I am hoping that they get the message now that I have had to start chopping. 
11:46pm • #10

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Steve Scheer - Denver Real Estate - Highlands Ranch Real Estate

Denver, CO

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