How to Plant Swedish Columnar Aspen

From urban lots to grand allees, Swedish columnar aspen (Populus tremula "Erecta") offers fast growth and striking vertical form. Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 through 5, the tree matures near 50 feet in height and 10 feet or less in width. Branches run nearly parallel to trunks to form elegant specimens or dense three-season screens -- complete with rustling, glossy green, aspen foliage and yellow, orange and red fall color.

Adaptable and versatile, Swedish columnar aspen isn't fussy about soil type, pH or urban pollution. It prefers a full-sun location with consistently moist, well-drained soil but tolerates dry soil to heavy moisture. Select a planting site free from power lines or other overhead restrictions to allow for mature size and form. The tree grows quickly to 30 feet in height and 4 feet in width its first 10 years. Expect a lifespan of 50 years or more. The lowest branches usually begin about 5 feet above ground. Keep them in sun, or they may drop from the tree. "Erecta" shows high tolerance for de-icing salt sprays from nearby roadways.

Plant Swedish columnar aspen in spring, so roots establish well before the cold winters common to its hardiness zones. Dig your planting hole twice the width of the tree's root ball and the same or slightly less deep than its depth. Keep the hole's bottom firm and intact. Set the tree at or slightly higher than the depth it grew in the nursery. Use the existing topsoil and subsoil mixed together to refill the hole. Soil amendments can create a container-like effect and prevent proper root growth. Water the tree well after planting, and mulch the area with a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch. Keep the mulch 3 inches from the aspen's trunk.

Plant Swedish columnar aspen at least 8 feet from surrounding buildings or trees to allow room for mature size. For screens or hedges, space trees 8 to 12 feet apart with a 16- to 20-foot setback from drives or between rows. During the first year after planting, supplement rainfall so "Erecta" receives 1 inch of water per week from planting through fall. Provide 2 inches per week in sandy soil, preferably in separate applications. Heavier soils need less, so check your soil manually. Swedish columnar aspen does best without pruning. No fertilizer is needed under normal conditions.

Swedish columnar aspen provides an attractive, healthy substitute for columnar trees prone to disease and early death. This tree is a male form, so there is no "cotton" cleanup. Discovered in a Swedish grove of native European aspen (Populus tremula), the tree is reminiscent of the North American native quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides). Both species are hardy in USDA zones 1 through 6. In addition to soothing, trembling leaves, "Erecta" shares some other aspen features. Vigorous root growth and suckering occurs, but less than the native species. "Erecta" doesn't trouble foundations, but expect tiny aspen suckers in the lawn. Mowing these with the grass usually controls the problem.