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Swedish columnar aspens planted between Calgary homes, showing narrow growth habit and proximity to buildings and typical residential spacing

Should You Plant Swedish Columnar Aspens in Calgary? An Arborist’s Take

May 31, 2025
General, Plant Health Care, Pruning, Tree Care

They grow fast, look sharp, and seem like the perfect tree for smaller Calgary yards — so why do arborists wince when they see a row of Swedish columnar aspens planted five feet apart?

I was recently approached by a local news outlet for comment on this exact question. Unfortunately, scheduling didn’t line up. Still, it’s too important a topic to leave unanswered, especially as more homeowners head to garden centres this spring.

With shrinking lot sizes and a push for densification in Calgary, many homeowners are looking for trees that:

  • Grow fast
  • Fit in narrow side yards or along back fences
  • Provide quick screening from neighbours

Swedish columnar aspens (and other columnar poplars) seem to check all the boxes:

  • Fast-growing and hardy in Calgary’s chinook-prone weather
  • Architecturally striking
  • Small footprint
  • Easily available at nurseries
  • Pleasant sound of rustling leaves
  • Bright golden-yellow fall colour

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The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

The Good

  • Fast-growing
  • Cold hardy
  • Visually appealing
  • Small footprint – ideal for narrow lots
  • Iconic rustling leaf sound
  • Nice fall colour

The Bad

  • Invasive root systems – can interfere with hardscaping such as walkways, driveways, garden bed walls
  • Aphid infestations in summer, which bring sticky honeydew and attract wasps
  • Errant root suckers that sprout in lawns, mulch beds, and gardens
  • Roots that protrude through shallow topsoil, creating uneven turf and roots that are exposed above the lawn
  • Sensitive to poor or compacted soil, especially when altered by construction
  • Regular pruning required to maintain columnar shape and to prevent branch bending and encourage proper structure

The Ugly

  • Short-lived: average lifespan is 20–25 years
  • Difficult to maintain due to height and narrow upright growth
  • Challenging to remove once mature
  • Highly susceptible to:
    • Canker diseases
    • Heart rot
    • Chlorosis (iron deficiency)
    • Bronze leaf disease (serious fungal threat in Calgary)
    • Leaf skeletonizers and rollers
    • Poplar borer
    • Salt damage
    • Sun scorch (especially when near driveways or heat reflecting surfaces)
    • Root death from compacted or waterlogged soils
    • Physical contact damage from swaying in wind when planted too close to homes or buildings

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    So, Should You Plant Them?

    Yes — but only if you go in with eyes wide open.

    Columnar aspens can serve a purpose. But they aren’t “set-and-forget” trees. If you’re willing to invest in proper planting, regular maintenance, and the right site prep, they can deliver on aesthetics and screening.

    Just don’t expect them to last 50 years.

    Pro Tips for Long-Term Success

    If you’re uncertain about your tree care needs, an ISA Certified Arborist in Calgary can provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend a pruning plan tailored to your situation. For guidance on selecting the right professional read our guide on how to select an arborist in Calgary — it’s full of practical advice on what to look for (and what to avoid).

    Site Selection

    • Avoid planting under powerlines – These trees get quite tall at maturity
    • Keep away from homes and fences – not just for the roots, but to avoid damage from trunk sway in the wind
    • Provide space for root spread

    Site Preparation

    • Remove and replace compacted or poor soil left from construction
    • Test soil pH if you suspect concrete, drywall or other construction waste on site

    Planting and Aftercare

    • Choose high-quality stock
    • Plant properly – no girdling roots, no planting too deep
    • Use natural mulch, not landscaping fabric or rock mulch (those are a death sentence for aspens)
    • Ensure consistent, deep watering, especially in the first 3 years. Shallow or infrequent watering prevents proper root development and makes trees more susceptible to drought.
    • Do not garden under the canopy – it damages the shallow roots
    • Never top the tree or reduce its height aggressively – it significantly shortens lifespan

    Frequently Asked Questions About Swedish Columnar Aspens in Calgary

    How often should I water a newly planted columnar aspen?
    Deep water once or twice per week for the first two to three years, depending on soil type and weather. Avoid shallow surface watering.
    Can I plant columnar aspens near my house or fence?
    No. While roots are a concern, the bigger issue is wind sway. The narrow trunks can whip in the wind and damage nearby structures like siding, stucco, or fences.
    Why do my aspens have sticky leaves and wasps in the summer?
    That’s aphid honeydew — a sugary substance that attracts wasps. It’s a common problem with aspens and often requires PHC treatments.
    Are there better alternatives to columnar aspens for screening?
    Possibly. We recommend professional consultation to match your site conditions with suitable species. In some cases, other upright trees or even layered shrub/tree combos are more sustainable.
    Can I prune columnar aspens to reduce height?
    No. Topping or reducing height significantly shortens their lifespan and increases risk of decay or failure.

    Final Word

    Columnar aspens are the rock stars of Calgary’s tree scene: they grow fast and die young.

    If you’re set on planting them, do it with intention. Better yet, consult a professional. At Chinook Arbor Services, we’ve planted, climbed, pruned, and removed more of these trees than we care to count. We know how to help them thrive – and when it might be time to consider an alternative.

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