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Quaking Aspen Tree
Quaking Aspen Tree
Quaking Aspen Tree
Quaking Aspen Tree
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Tree

Quaking Aspen Tree

4.6/5 7 reviews
Will it grow where you live?

Zones 3-7

Size: 6-7 ft
$156 $195

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1-year guaranteeShips in 1–5 daysReal plant experts

From our farm to your front door

  • Shipped in its nursery pot, so the roots stay undisturbed
  • Soil secured so it stays put in transit
  • Packed so the plant stays steady on the way to you

At a glance

Leaves
Deciduous: drops its leaves in fall and regrows them in spring
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
When the top 2" of soil is dry
Growth & size
Very fast growth rate; typically reaching 40–50 feet tall and 20–30 feet wide in landscape plantings, with some trees growing even higher in favorable conditions.
Botanical name
Populus tremuloides
Hardiness
Zones 3-7
Tolerates
Cold hardyHigh elevation tolerantWind tolerant
USDA zone map for Quaking Aspen Tree

Where it grows in the groundShaded areas are the zones where it can be planted outdoors.

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What customers are saying

4.6
out of 5 · 7 verified reviews

Why customers love it

Healthy, well-rooted plants

Hand-selected and shipped in its nursery pot.

Delivered to your door

Skip the nursery trip. Very little car Tetris required.

Real plant experts

Ask us anything before or after planting.

1-year guarantee

If something goes wrong, we'll help make it right.

Care made simple

Plant it right once and it does the rest.

Sun
Full Sun

Pick the spot before you dig.

Water
When the top 2" of soil is dry

Water slowly and deeply. Check more often in its first summer.

Grows in
Zones 3-7

Enter your ZIP above to check your zone.

Your first year together

  1. 1Day 1

    Plant it, then water slowly until the whole root ball is soaked.

  2. 2First few weeks

    Keep the soil evenly moist while new roots settle in.

  3. 3First summer

    Water deeply during hot, dry spells.

  4. 4Next spring

    New growth starts. Feed as it wakes up.

Planting instructions
Choose a site with full sun and well‑drained soil. Dig a planting hole about twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place the Quaking Aspen so the top of the root ball is level with surrounding soil, backfill gently, and water thoroughly. Apply a 2–3 inch mulch layer around the base (keeping it a few inches from the trunk) to help retain moisture and moderate soil temperatures. Aspirations for vigorous groves mean aspens may send up root suckers, so plant with space to accommodate clonal spread. Water regularly during the first growing season to help roots establish and maintain moderate soil moisture.
Watering & sunlight
Watering needs are never one-size-fits-all. Weather, soil type, drainage, plant size, and planting time all affect how quickly a plant dries out.

Use a slow-running hose, soaker hose, or drip system to water the root ball and surrounding root zone thoroughly. Allow the water to penetrate deeply (not just wet the top few inches of soil), and avoid frequent, shallow watering.

Before watering again, check the soil 3–4 inches deep near the root ball. If it feels dry, repeat this deep-watering process. If it feels moist or soggy, wait and check again in 1–2 days. Check the soil of newly planted trees and shrubs several times per week, especially during hot, dry, or windy weather.

Irrigation run times will vary based on flow rate, soil, and system setup.

Need help? Contact our plant experts for watering guidance tailored to your plant and growing conditions.

Quaking Aspen performs best in full sun, requiring bright light for healthy foliage, strong growth, and vibrant fall color — aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Care guide

PRUNING:
Prune Quaking Aspen in late winter while dormant to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Aspens can send up suckers from roots, so remove unwanted shoots early to control shape and space. 

FERTILIZING:
Fertilizing is generally not required if planted in fertile soil. If growth appears slow or nutrients seem depleted, apply a balanced, slow‑release tree fertilizer in early spring according to label directions. Avoid fertilizing for the first 2–3 months after delivery to allow the plant to adjust and establish.

WINTER PROTECTION:
Quaking Aspen is extremely cold‑hardy and typically needs no special winter protection in its recommended zones. Protect young trees from winter desiccation by ensuring consistent soil moisture entering winter and mulching at the base to insulate roots.

Shipping & what's inside

Your plant ships in its nursery pot with the soil secured, packed so it stays steady on the way to you.

1-year guarantee

Every plant is covered by our 1-year guarantee. If something goes wrong, contact our team and we'll walk you through it.

Answered by Simply Trees plant experts
How big does a Quaking Aspen Tree get?
Quaking Aspen Trees typically grow 40 to 50 feet tall and 20 to 30 feet wide at maturity, with a slender, upright form and open canopy.
How fast does a Quaking Aspen Tree grow?
Quaking Aspens are known for their fast growth rate—typically gaining 2 to 3 feet in height per year under optimal conditions.
Where is the best place to plant a Quaking Aspen Tree?
Plant Quaking Aspens in full sun and moist, well-draining soil. They perform best in cooler climates and open areas where root suckering is not a concern.
Do Quaking Aspen Trees spread through their roots?
Yes, Quaking Aspens naturally spread through underground root suckers, which can form large groves of genetically identical trees over time. This is a natural trait and not a sign of poor health.
Are Quaking Aspen Trees invasive?
While not classified as invasive, their tendency to send up suckers can make them aggressive in small yards. It’s best to plant them where their spreading habit can be managed or embraced.
What color do Quaking Aspens turn in the fall?
Quaking Aspens transform into a brilliant golden yellow in autumn, making them one of the most iconic fall foliage trees in North America.
Are Quaking Aspen Trees deer-resistant?
No, Quaking Aspens are not deer-resistant. Deer may browse the young shoots, bark, and leaves, especially in winter when other food sources are scarce.
Can I grow a Quaking Aspen Tree in warmer climates?
Quaking Aspens prefer cold climates and struggle in hot, humid regions. They are best suited to USDA Zones 3–7 and may decline in warmer areas.
Do Quaking Aspen Trees need a lot of water?
They prefer consistent moisture, especially during establishment. While somewhat drought-tolerant once mature, prolonged dryness can stress the tree and limit growth.
How far apart should I plant Quaking Aspen Trees?
For best results, space Quaking Aspens 15 to 20 feet apart when planting multiple trees. This allows each tree enough room to grow while still creating the visually striking group effect they’re known for. If you’re planting for a natural grove or clonal colony look, spacing can be slightly tighter, around 10–12 feet.
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