Would a Trembling Aspen be a good choice for a Toronto front yard? ?

Question

I really like the way the sun and the breeze filters through the leaves giving a dappled kind of shade. I like the unique white birch-like trunk. But wonder if it is hardy enough for the Canadian winter, salt-resistant, and pest-resistant. I understand that birches are no longer planted due to emerald ash bore..is this a consideration for the Aspen?

Answer 1

I have one in the back yard and I love it with one exception. It sends out suckers like crazy. Birch are susceptible to several pests and disease if grown south of Z4 The Emerald ash borer is only found on ash. Aspen are hardy trees and so are the suckers.  RScott

Answer 2

i believe an aspen and not pest-resistant.  not sure about ash bore.  that's from ash trees,  but aspens do not live real long.  maybe 20-30 years at best.  guess it depends on your age.  if you're 2, get an oak.  if you're 20, get a maple.  if you're 50, get an aspen!  they DO grow fast.

Answer 3

Firstly, Emerald Ash Borer attacks Ash trees, not Birches. Those that attack birches are Bronze Birch Borers, a different insect.

According to my book, 'Trees of Northern United States and Canada' by Farrar, Trembling Aspen is native to most of Canada.

In my 'Manual of Woody Landscape Plants' by Dirr,

Quaking (or Trembling) Aspen does NOT make a good ornamental tree. It is susceptible to Bronze Birch Borer, but more importantly, they are open to a host of fungal and viral diseases. They are not long lived, are weak wooded, and drop twigs and branches constantly.

The Quaking Aspen is hardy to zones 1-6.