deciduous tree
Bigtooth Aspen: pruning, storm risk and removal
Populus grandidentata. Also called Large-toothed aspen, Bigtooth poplar, Popple.
Plain-English notes for homeowners, plus field notes for tree crews. General guidance only: for one specific tree, have a local insured pro look at it.
Bigtooth Aspen at a glance
| Height | 40-60 ft, sometimes taller |
|---|---|
| Spread | 20-30 ft |
| Growth rate | Fast |
| USDA zones | 3-6 |
| Lifespan | Typically 50-70 years, often less on poor sites |
| Type | Deciduous |
| Native range | Northeastern United States, the Great Lakes region and southeastern Canada, with scattered stands south in the Appalachians |
| Roots | Shallow and spreading. The tree sends up suckers from the roots, so it often grows in groves or patches of related trees. |
| Wood | Soft, light and low in heat value. It is a poor firewood. It is used for pulp, paper and some light wood products. |
| Storm risk | highThe wood is soft and weak, and the tree is short-lived. Trunks often develop decay, and stems break in wind, ice and heavy snow. |
Typical ranges, not guarantees. Soil, water, space and care change how a tree grows. Storm risk is our general rating for the species, not an inspection.
For homeowners
Caring for a bigtooth aspen
Best time to prune
Late fall to winter while dormant. Remove dead, broken and hanging limbs. Keep pruning light and regular.
Avoid pruning
Avoid large wounds, since aspen is prone to cankers and decay. Avoid heavy pruning in summer on stressed trees. Do not top the tree. Heavy cuts and root damage also trigger more suckers.
More on timing: when to prune trees.
- Do not plant it close to the house, a septic field or a lawn. Suckers can spread across a wide area.
- Plan on a shorter life than most shade trees. Older trees need regular checks for dead limbs.
- Avoid mowing over or cutting roots near the tree, which often causes more suckers.
- Keep the tree watered in hot, dry spells. Stress makes cankers and borers more likely.
Safety first
Do not climb a tree or use a chainsaw on storm-loaded or broken wood. If a tree or limb is touching power lines, stay away and call the utility. If someone is in danger, call 911. For anything big, hire a local insured pro: read how to hire a tree service and is my tree dangerous?
Lirevon does not do tree work. Find local pros on Google Maps and read their reviews, then get two or three written quotes.
For tree crews
Field notes: working on bigtooth aspen
- 1Look for cankers, sunken bark and conks. They point to decay inside the stem.
- 2Test for hollow sections before loading a limb or tying in.
- 3Tell the customer that suckers are likely after removal and discuss follow-up options.
- 4Expect a lot of light brush and leaves, so plan chipper and truck capacity.
Removal notes
Older trees are often decayed or hollow, so check each stem before climbing and consider lifting equipment. Wood is light but can be brittle. Expect suckers to pop up across the lawn after removal, since the roots stay alive. Grinding the stump does not stop them, so tell the customer early.
Wood
Soft, light and low in heat value. It is a poor firewood. It is used for pulp, paper and some light wood products.
Pricing this job? Try the tree job estimator. Follow your own safety plan and crew training on every job.
Common problems for bigtooth aspen
Pests and diseases to watch for. Each link explains signs and what to do.
Trees often mistaken for it
Check the leaves, bark and shape before you decide how to prune or treat.
Free tools for this tree
They run in your browser and nothing is sent anywhere. Results are estimates.
Bigtooth Aspen: common questions
How can I tell bigtooth aspen from quaking aspen?
Bigtooth aspen leaves have large, coarse teeth along the edge, while quaking aspen leaves have small, fine teeth. Quaking aspen leaves are rounder with a smoother edge.
Why are there so many small trees coming up around my aspen?
Aspens spread by root suckers. A stressed or cut tree often sends up many sprouts. The trees in a group are often connected underground.
How long does a bigtooth aspen live?
Typically 50 to 70 years. It is a fast-growing, short-lived tree, and trees on poor sites may last less.
Why does my aspen have black or sunken patches on the bark?
Cankers are a common cause, and cytospora canker is common on stressed aspen. Dry weather, wounds and root damage make them worse. Have an arborist look at it.
Does grinding the stump stop the suckers?
Not by itself. The roots stay alive and can keep sending up shoots. Ask a licensed pro about repeated cutting or other options.
When should a bigtooth aspen be removed?
Usually when it is dead, badly decayed, or leaning over a house or wires. A certified arborist can inspect it and give written advice. Get two or three written quotes.
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