Quaking Aspens - Landscape Design
Another High Sierra favorite, Antonucci Lawn and Garden is highlighting the Quaking Aspen for Reno landscaping.
How The Quaking Aspen Got Its Name
This brilliant tree is also known as the Trembling Aspen, named appropriately because of its leaves. The aspen's leaves are flat with a lengthy stalk, creating the trembling or quaking effect in the light wind. They also put off a light fluttering sound as the wind rushes through the aspen groves. They add to any lawn garden design and create a relaxing, soothing Reno landscaping environment as you sit on your porch enjoying a warm spring day, or a brisk fall evening. The eloquent white bark is a common theme among the quaking aspens. The bark of this tree is unique in the fact that while with most trees, the job of photosynthesis is reserved for the leaves, however, the aspen's bark carries out this duty. Also, while most deciduous trees are going dormant in the winter, the quaking aspen's bark continues to produce sugar for energy, thus continuing to grow and provide food for the winter months for certain wildlife. The quaking aspen does provide food and habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. These can include bears, deer, mice, chipmunks, rabbits and small birds. The quaking aspen can grow as large as 40 to 50 feet, and live as long as 50 to 60 years, and even up to 150 years in portions of the west.
The Structure of a Quaking Aspen
The quaking aspen's root system is a unique culture all on its own. Aspens shoot out roots horizontally which can travel as far as 100 feet before it shoots up a new stem. These new shoots can grow up to 40 to 50 feet as well, with leaves and bark, which in turn can also shoot out more underground roots stemming even more aspen shoots. So as you can tell, these aspens can, over time, create a plethora of aspens covering entire mountainsides. One of the most incredible sites and the world's largest living organism is in Utah. And yes, it is quaking aspen. Single quaking aspen, due to its incredible cloning ability, covers 106 acres of land and is estimated to weigh up to 6,000 tons. The quaking aspen, however, does have issues with certain types of diseases. Due to the thin soft bark of the aspen, they are susceptible to many types of insect infestation and bark diseases. Check back next week as we begin to highlight some of our favorite Reno landscaping options for your lawn garden design and surrounding areas, the Chanticleer Pear Tree. Antonucci Lawn and Garden#alawnandgarden
About the Author
As one of Northern Nevada’s leading landscape companies, Antonucci Lawn & Garden offers fresh ideas and quality craftsmanship to improve outdoor living. Since 2009, Antonucci has been focused on enhancing beautiful landscaping. Whether starting from scratch or renovating an existing backyard, our knowledgeable staff and certified team of contractors will explain everything you need to build your perfect outdoor retreat.