Knowledgebase
Aspen Infestation #875236
Asked June 29, 2024, 1:05 PM EDT
Hello! My mother lives in Loveland and has a neighbor who for the last 10 years neglect his aspen trees and they have slowly been moving under the garden I built her about 15 years ago, which they are now coming into her main lawn area by over 40 feet from the property line. There are at least 100 sprouting aspen with many of them already at heights of 4-5 ft tall. I tried to pull one out hoping it was not from the main tree in the neighbor's yard, but I am sad to say that I think it is. I am wondering if there is anything I can do to eliminate the aspen from coming up in her yard? I suggested that I get rid of her lawn, xeriscape the whole area and reduce the water needs to hopefully get the aspen to go elsewhere. I have a yard that is similar to a xeriscape and she is okay with the idea. I am just looking for some advice on how to handle this or is this a city matter I should contact before I do anything? I do have a video I can make a link public if anyone needs. Thanks in advance and I look forward to hearing some responses.
John
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Aspen grow via root suckers, so all of the suckers in your mom's yard, plus the neighbor's yard, stem from one of the mother trees planted. This is the biggest challenge growing aspen in urban areas - the trees naturally reproduce this way - but it's not great for urban landscapes.
Your best options are to cut them or mow them down. Or dig them up as you're able. Herbicides can be used, but there's a chance the herbicides can translocate to the mother tree and cause harm.
If you decide to remove and renovate the lawn, there is a chance the aspens will still be a problem - they are a native and are used to lower water requirements. Be persistent about cutting them down or mowing them as needed.
