Aspen Trees look stressed - Ask Extension
My aspen trees have been healthy over the years. They are about 5-6 years old and planted on the north side of the house. This year the leaves are bro...
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Aspen Trees look stressed #877200
Asked July 14, 2024, 7:15 PM EDT
My aspen trees have been healthy over the years. They are about 5-6 years old and planted on the north side of the house. This year the leaves are browning and showing signs of stress. We do water them about 5 gallons of water per week when it has been so hot. See pictures attached. What are your recommendations?
Full disclosure. I am a Master Gardener Apprentice in Boulder County. My research shows that it is likely a lack of water, but I want to be sure that I am not missing something.
Thank you!
Boulder County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello Tom,
From the photos you sent it does seem likely that the trees may be stressed due to the high heat and temperatures we've been experiencing, so additional watering could help. It is also possible that they could have iron chlorosis as evidenced by the greening of the leaf veins.
If you are interested, you could also request a site visit by our tree team. This team is composed of 2-3 trained CMG diagnosticians, who evaluate and give recommendations and suggestions on stressed landscape trees. The fee is $25 per tree.
Another option is to bring in a sample to the office for diagnosis for further information. Our office is located at 9595 Nelson Road, Longmont, CO 80501. The fee is $7 per sample.
Alternatively, I have attached the Front Range Tree list in the event you would like to consider planting new trees that may thrive better in our climate.
Here are a few resources that may be helpful:
1701 – Aspen Trees – PlantTalk Colorado (colostate.edu)
2121 – Iron Chlorosis in Trees – PlantTalk Colorado (colostate.edu)
https://planttalk.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-Front-Range-Tree-List.pdf
Best,
CSU Extension Boulder County Master Gardeners
From the photos you sent it does seem likely that the trees may be stressed due to the high heat and temperatures we've been experiencing, so additional watering could help. It is also possible that they could have iron chlorosis as evidenced by the greening of the leaf veins.
If you are interested, you could also request a site visit by our tree team. This team is composed of 2-3 trained CMG diagnosticians, who evaluate and give recommendations and suggestions on stressed landscape trees. The fee is $25 per tree.
Another option is to bring in a sample to the office for diagnosis for further information. Our office is located at 9595 Nelson Road, Longmont, CO 80501. The fee is $7 per sample.
Alternatively, I have attached the Front Range Tree list in the event you would like to consider planting new trees that may thrive better in our climate.
Here are a few resources that may be helpful:
1701 – Aspen Trees – PlantTalk Colorado (colostate.edu)
2121 – Iron Chlorosis in Trees – PlantTalk Colorado (colostate.edu)
https://planttalk.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-Front-Range-Tree-List.pdf
Best,
CSU Extension Boulder County Master Gardeners
