You’re here because you are looking for a way to revive your beloved aspen tree that is on the verge of going toward the light. Have no fear. Help is here!
Is there a way to save it? And also, how do you save a dying aspen tree? Can I do something about it?
First of all, take a deep breath and count to ten. The simple answers are yes, yes, and yes.
We can’t blame you for that moment of panic. After all, an aspen tree – wild or cultivated – can both provide an aesthetic as well as an eco-friendly advantage to any area.
An aspen tree is a thing of beauty, no doubt about it. It’s beautiful every season, but it is most remarkable during the fall. With its golden leaves fluttering at the slightest touch of the wind, earning the moniker “quaking aspen.”
That’s the good part of having an Aspen tree. The not-so-good part is its affinity to diseases.
In fact, the Forest Services of the Department of Agriculture warns that a scratch on the bark can spur an infection. So, carving out “God’s gift to women was here” is not a good idea.
Signs of a dying aspen tree
- Patterns of discoloration on the heartwood
- Yellow, sunken cankers on the bark
- Yellowish foliage with green veins
- Aspen tree leaves turning brown
- Sap oozing from different areas of the bark
- Dead branches
- Dead bark falling off the tree
Some TLC for a dying aspen tree
With proper care, many declining aspens can recover. But act quickly when signs of distress appear to have the best chance of saving the tree.
Pruning
Pruning out diseased branches is one of the most effective ways to save a dying aspen tree. Pruning will prevent the spread of infection. It will also stop the infestation of pests that have a natural obsession with decaying branches.
Pruning should be done in the right manner and at the right time. Although this can be accomplished any time of the year, pruning during the dormant season such as winter is best.
Take heed: improper pruning can cause further damage to your dying aspen. It can give birth to unwanted holes that may quicken the spread of the disease.
Proper irrigation
How much water do aspen trees need? This will depend on the season and how parched it is.
The rule of thumb is to check the moisture level of the soil. Use a slow, drip irrigation when the soil is dry to the touch. Avoid watering the leaves because doing so will encourage further infection such as fungal growth.
A weekly watering schedule for the summer months is A-okay. For the winter season, once a month is optimum.
Maintain a stress-free environment
Who doesn’t need this, really? Help your aspen tree relax by removing infested leaves and debris that surround the tree as soon as possible. This will be very helpful, especially for a dying aspen tree.
Use the right fertilizer for aspens
The best fertilizer for aspens is a complete, nitrogen-rich mix. We recommend a 16-4-8 fertilizer formula.
Product the roots
Aspens have unusually sensitive roots, so avoid fertilizing newly planted aspens too soon, and consider adding mulch ground cover to keep your aspen’s roots cool.
