Quaking Aspen Tree

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Regular price $158.00 Sale price$168.00you save $10.00

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1 gallon, 6"
3 gallon, 8 to 10"
5 gallon, 10 to 12"
7 gallon, 14"
10 gallon, 15 to 17"
15 gallon, 17"
"Jumbo", 10 or 15 gallon

Please Note: Sizing can differ between plant varieties. Please chat with us if you need clarification.

For more information on sizing, please see our guide.

The Quaking Aspen Tree brings four seasons of visual interest with its fluttering round leaves, smooth white bark, and golden autumn color. Native to North America and famous for its clonal groves, this fast-growing deciduous tree is perfect for adding movement, texture, and contrast to large landscapes. Its leaves tremble in the slightest breeze, creating a shimmering sound and motion that’s hard to ignore. Ideal for cold climates and naturalistic plantings.

  • Botanical name: Populus tremuloides
  • Other Common Names: American Aspen, Trembling Aspen
  • Deciduous
  • Grown in the USA

SUNLIGHT:
Plant in full sun. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to grow vigorously and display vibrant fall foliage.

WATER:
Keep soil consistently moist during the first year. Water deeply every 2–4 weeks in dry periods once established.

IDEAL CLIMATE:
Hardy in USDA Zones 3–7; thrives in cooler climates with moist, well-draining soils and cold winters.

Note: Quaking Aspens naturally send out root suckers that may grow into new trees nearby, forming groves. While this adds woodland charm, it’s best planted in open areas where spreading won’t be a problem.

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

The Quaking Aspen Tree, scientifically known as Populus tremuloides, is a striking deciduous tree beloved for its shimmering leaves that “quake” in the breeze and its brilliant golden fall color. With smooth pale bark and fluttering foliage, this fast‑growing native North American tree adds dynamic movement and seasonal beauty to landscapes. Quaking Aspen also forms picturesque clonal groves via root sprouts, creating natural screens and woodland charm.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE 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.

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

Water deeply during the first growing season to help roots establish. After that, aspens prefer consistent soil moisture but are moderately drought tolerant once established — water deeply every 2–4 weeks during dry periods, and ensure the soil doesn’t stay waterlogged. 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.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

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. 

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.

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.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 3-7

Quaking Aspen is well‑adapted to USDA Zones 3 through 7, thriving in cooler climates with cold winters and moderate summers. It’s one of North America’s most widely distributed trees and performs best in regions with cool, moist conditions and consistent sunlight. While it tolerates a range of soil types — from sandy to loamy or clay — it prefers moist, well‑drained sites and does not fare well in hot, humid environments. Aspen forests often establish quickly after disturbance due to their vigorous root‑sprouting habit. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Quaking Aspens are known for their fast growth rate—typically gaining 2 to 3 feet in height per year under optimal conditions.

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.

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.

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.

Quaking Aspens transform into a brilliant golden yellow in autumn, making them one of the most iconic fall foliage trees in North America.

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.

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.

They prefer consistent moisture, especially during establishment. While somewhat drought-tolerant once mature, prolonged dryness can stress the tree and limit growth.

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.

More Details

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

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Learn more about our Shipping Policy

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 1 year guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 1 year guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

All California orders require a mandatory inspection by the Texas Department of Agriculture (yep, it’s a USDA thing!). These inspections happen about once a week—typically on Tuesdays, though the day can vary. If you place an order just after an inspection, your plant may not ship for several days until the next one. Unfortunately, we’re not able to expedite this part of the process.

Also, due to USDA regulations, we’re unable to ship oak trees, citrus or fruit trees (except olive trees) to California. This rule helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases and applies to nurseries across the country.

Thanks for your patience—we’ll make sure it’s worth the wait.

What's inside?

Your order from Simply Trees is more than just a box of plants—it’s a carefully curated experience. Here’s what’s inside:

  • We hand-select our plants for premium-quality from top growers nationwide
  • Each plant is then cleaned, prepped, and pruned to remove any blemishes and encourage new growth
  • Expertly treated and inspected for preventative measure
  • The pot is wrapped in a durable plastic bag and secured with a zip tie; house plants get extra protection with a recyclable nursery bag
  • Your plant is strapped into our durable double-pane boxes, secured in place with a heavy-duty zip tie to ensure safe transit
  • A thank you card with a QR code leads to our guide on welcoming your new plants home

We take pride in making sure every detail is just right, so you can enjoy your new greenery from the moment it arrives.

SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING, QUALITY CARE

We've perfected the art of packaging and shipping plants and trees! Unlike most online retailers, we handle everything in-house—no third-party fulfillment. Our experienced team carefully packages your plants to ensure they arrive from our farm to your door in perfect condition.