Are These Large, Beautiful Trees Right for Your Garden Landscape?

However, the poplar tree does have its appeal.

Many streets, paths, and allees are lined with stately poplarshade trees.

White poplar tree with tall trunk and drooping branches near pathway

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But it doesn’t mean a poplar tree is right for most typical garden landscapes.

There are pros and cons to having a poplar tree on your property.

Do your research for your region before you consider planting a poplar tree.

Japanese Poplar in a field of flowers

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Tip

you could identify a poplar tree usually from the bark.

In addition, you may have a poplar if the tree in question is very tall and columnar.

Some types also have a wide canopy and triangular leaves.

Leaves of the Big-Tooth Poplar

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The columnar-shaped Japanese poplar is one of the most attractive and practical species options for a wide-open backyard landscape.

It still has the same issues with pathogens and pests as other trees in the species.

But it does not require maintenance.

Leaves starting to change on Quaking Aspen trees in Colorado.

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It works well as a shade tree, windbreak, screen, or to line a drive.

It occupies 108 acres and is comprised of over 40,000 trunks.

This is evidence of the ability ofPopulus tremuloidesto spread through suckering.

An allée of Lombardy Poplar in Italy

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The quaking aspen, while beautiful, has become invasive in most areas it inhabits.

The roots of this short-lived tree can be quite shallow causing damage to paving and concrete work.

Female plants shed their cottony seeds and can be considered messy.

Silver poplar in autumn against the blue sky.

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Its beautifulsilver leavesare a sight to behold.

The dark green leaves, like the bark of the tree, are very bitter.

This trait, however, does make the species an attractive prospect for bank stabilization and erosion mediation.

Populus angustifolia in Yellowstone National Park

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Before planting this tree, it’s important to look into any local ordinances on invasive plants.

It can be spotted thanks to its bright yellow fall foliage.

The notoriously weak wood of the tree also has the habit of breaking from wind and ice damage.

Seemingly endless line of Grey Poplars lining road in the Netherlands

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You should avoid planting cottonwood near any important structure.

It’s another example of how easily trees in the genusPopulushybridize.

The trees relative resistance to canker andleaf spotmakes it a good selection compared to other columnar-shaped poplars.

Eastern Cotton Wood with Pollen in spring time.

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There are numerouscultivarsavailable in the nursery trade to select from.

The tree is large and fast-growing and does need a considerable space investment.

The once iconic tree is being threatened due to drought, livestock grazing, and timber harvesting.

Leaves and fruits of a Canadian poplar tree (Populus x canadensis)

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Are Poplar Trees Good For Your Yard?

Fremont cottonwood in Adobe Buttes in Autumn

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