Tree · Salicaceae family
aspen
Populus tremula
In short a 10-second read
Aspen (tree) grows to 15–20 m tall and 6–10 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun, in average to moist soil. Hardy to −40 °C.
× spread 6–10 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun, in average to moist soil. Hardy to −40 °C.
Sun
Elsewhere it will grow less well.
Soil and water
average to moist · watering: moderate
Soil: sandy, loamy, clay
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 20–50 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Pruning
No pruning needed — just remove dead or damaged parts (August–September).
Planting
container plant: October–April; bare-root: October–March; root-balled: October–March
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −40 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −40 °C
- Deciduous — bare in winter
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
Does aspen tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does aspen need?
At maturity 6–10 m wide and 15–20 m tall; recommended spacing 600 cm.
Does aspen survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −40 °C.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 17 October 2026.
Show sources (15)
- GBIF — Populus tremula
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (species/match)
- Wikipedia (EN)
- Woodland Trust - Aspen (Populus tremula)
- Van den Berk - Populus tremula
- RHS - Watering
- RHS - Populus tremula
- RHS - Shrubs and trees: light pruning
- RHS - Bleeding from pruning cuts
- RHS - Trees and shrubs: planting
- Clemson HGIC - Planting Trees Correctly
- RHS - How to grow trees
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: Slovakia, Czechia, Germany
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