Poplar Tree
Rating: 2
Size: up to 8 ft in diameter and up to 150 ft high
Type: fast growing softwood
The poplar tree is a monster of a tree. It is quite popular among homeowners who build new homes because they want immediate shade. Like most softwood trees, the poplar has a short life. Most trees live between 30 and 50 years. At about 30 years, many of trunks and braches will start to die, giving the tree an unkempt appearance. It is hard to trim this tree back to look good since entire sections will completely turn to dead wood as the tree nears maturity.
If the plan is to plant the poplar tree for immediate shade while growing other more stable longer lasting trees, than that is a good plan. As the tree nears maturity, homeowners should seriously consider tree removal as the tree becomes a safety hazard. We have removed many poplars from rooftops after windstorms. We have also seen large pieces of dead wood land in yards and on structures as the tree reaches maturity and starts to die.