How to Plant Columnar Aspen Trees

Columnar aspen trees are a great addition to any landscape due to their unique narrow and upright habit, beautiful foliage, and ease of maintenance. These trees are also known as 'Fastigiata' aspens and make an excellent specimen or screening plant. Here's how you can plant columnar aspen trees and ensure their healthy growth for years to come.

1. Choose a Suitable Location

The first step is to choose the right location to plant your columnar aspen tree. These trees prefer a sunny and well-aerated spot with well-drained soil. They are relatively adaptable but perform best when planted in areas with a cold winter and moderate summers.

It's also important to consider the eventual size of the tree and make sure it has enough space to grow without interfering with other plants, structures, or power lines.

2. Prepare the Soil

Before planting your columnar aspen, it's important to prepare the soil. Aspens grow best in slightly acidic soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, so it's a good idea to test your soil to determine its pH level. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its fertility and drainage.

3. Dig a Suitable Planting Hole

Dig a planting hole that is at least two to three times wider than the root ball and as deep as the root ball's height. Mix some of the soil amendments with the excavated soil to create a nutrient-rich bed for the tree to grow. It's also a good idea to position some slow-release fertilizer in the hole to provide the young tree with essential nutrients as it establishes.

4. Position the Tree and Backfill the Hole

Center the tree in the planting hole and make sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Gently backfill the hole with the remaining soil mix and press it down firmly around the root ball to eliminate air pockets. Avoid overpacking or compacting the soil as this could interfere with the tree's growth and development.

5. Water and Mulch the Tree

After planting, water the tree well to help settle the soil and keep the roots moist. Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or wood chips, to suppress weeds, retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and add nutrients to the soil. Make sure the mulch doesn't touch the trunk to prevent pest or disease issues.

6. Monitor and Maintain the Tree

After planting, monitor the tree's growth and watering needs regularly. Water deeply and infrequently, especially during dry spells, to encourage a deep root system. Prune the tree when necessary to maintain its columnar shape and remove any diseased or damaged branches.

Apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring and late summer to help the tree grow healthy and strong. Avoid applying fertilizer during the hot summer months, as this could damage the tree's roots.

Conclusion

Planting columnar aspen trees is a straightforward and rewarding process that can add valuable visual interest and natural beauty to your landscape. By selecting a suitable location, preparing the soil, digging a suitable planting hole, positioning the tree, watering and mulching the tree, and monitoring and maintaining its growth, you can ensure your columnar aspen tree thrives for years to come.