Aspens are short-lived trees, as expected from their role in forest ecology. In the urban landscape, even properly cared-for aspens may not reach 20 years. Lifespans may be further shortened by one or more of the several Insects or diseases that attack aspen. Fungal diseases, such as Cytospora or other cankers that attack the trunk, are common, as are diseases of the foliage such as rusts or leafspots. Of the many Insects that attack urban plantings of aspen, oystershell scale, aphids and aspen twiggall fly are most prevalent.
Aspens are notoriously prone to phytotoxicity from insecticides or fungicides.
Aspen prefers the moist but well-drained, slightly acidic soil found at higher elevations. Conversely, much of the soil of Front Range Colorado is compacted, poorly-drained alkaline clay. Aspens transplanted to such soils are at a disadvantage, especially considering that a significant portion of the original root system is lost in the digging process. Aspens transplanted to landscapes usually are collected from the mountains. While these should not experience the stress that mountain-collected aspens would, later insect and disease problems still are likely.