Aspen Tree - Ask Extension
I have lived in my house for 12 years. There were 3 aspen trees planted together. As of today the original three all died (not more than 10 years old)...
Knowledgebase
Aspen Tree #878927
Asked July 26, 2024, 3:11 PM EDT
I have lived in my house for 12 years. There were 3 aspen trees planted together. As of today the original three all died (not more than 10 years old) and were replaced; subsequently, one of the new aspens died after 3 years. All had the same symptoms. The leaves on one branch would all turn brown and eventually fall off in the summer. This would eventually occur throughout the whole tree and the tree would have to be removed. I replaced one aspen with a crab apple tree and now the largest replaced aspen is showing the same signs - a branch with all leaves turning brown. Picture attached. What is happening to these aspens? Anything I can do other than cut of dead branch with hopes whatever it is doesn't spread.
Tom Rasmussen
Washington County Minnesota
Expert Response
Aspen trees are subject to many pests and diseases. This often makes the cause of aspen decline, dieback, and death difficult to diagnose.
https://homegarden.cahnr.uconn.edu/factsheets/dieback-of-trees-and-shrubs/
You might be able to confirm or rule out pests and disease by submitting samples of dying branches to the University of Minnesota Plant Disease Clinic.
https://pdc.umn.edu/
Unfavorable growing conditions also account for aspen dieback and decline. This has been especially apparent in western North America where large tracts of aspen are suffering from the effects of climate change and drought.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/beauty/aspen/decline.shtml
Three consecutive drought years in the Twin Cities area might have affected the trees' health.
https://homegarden.cahnr.uconn.edu/factsheets/dieback-of-trees-and-shrubs/
You might be able to confirm or rule out pests and disease by submitting samples of dying branches to the University of Minnesota Plant Disease Clinic.
https://pdc.umn.edu/
Unfavorable growing conditions also account for aspen dieback and decline. This has been especially apparent in western North America where large tracts of aspen are suffering from the effects of climate change and drought.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/beauty/aspen/decline.shtml
Three consecutive drought years in the Twin Cities area might have affected the trees' health.
