Aspens Aspens - not the only small tree in town By Robert Cox, Colorado State University Cooperative Extension agent, horticulture The best aspen is the aspen that grows in the mountains. That's the consensus of horticulturists who see problems galore with aspen that are grown in landscapes along the Front Range. Most aspens used in landscapes are dug from groves in the mountains, but the stressful digging process, along with poor soils along the Front Range, make it rough for aspen to do well beyond their natural environment. Plant them in well-amended soil on north or east exposures.
Sizes given are approximate.
Some listings may be difficult to find locally. It tolerates alkaline soil and some drought after it is established. Its foliage turns golden in fall. The interesting bark becomes corky and striated with age. Hedge maple gets its name from its use as a sheared hedge in Europe.