I'm not a big fan of aspens. They are great on the mountains, but not so good in the valleys. They like more moisture and lower pH than I've got. They also send suckers up all over the lawn. They may do better in Denver than they do here, but in my opinion, they're best left where they grow naturally, in groves in the mountains.

My advice is to try another tree.

Dan

Hi Christy,

I'm too tired right now to live link these, but the subject of aspens comes up over and over around here, so I've saved links to some of the old threads. Here are copy and paste links to four threads that will give you a bunch of info, including suggestions for some other trees if you're interested. If you check out all four, you'll get opinions from a whole bunch of people, a few positive, but mostly negative. My opinion is included with the others---in the negative category! Hope this helps you make a decision.

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/rmgard/msg051222069055.html

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/rmgard/msg0821505321746.html

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/rmgard/msg0422385323166.html

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/rmgard/msg0812251430646.html

Skybird

We live in the Denver area and my vote is no. When we bought our house it had four beautiful young aspens in the front yard (north-northwest exposure). The last one made it to about 20 years, with a lot of die off during the last five years. They suffered from galls and in general did not thrive in this climate. Our neighbor has two that are dead after about 25 years. Another neighbor lost four aspens (southeast exposure) and let cottonwood volunteers take their place - big mistake. The cottonwoods are now HUGE, way out of scale for the property, soak up a lot of water and drop a lot of leaves in the fall on both properties.

Thanks everyone -- I so appreciate your advice and counsel. Sure wish I could save my black walnut...

I think the expected lifespan of aspens (austrees too) is about 20 years. They grow fast & die young.

Trying to pick out a tree is tough. I need to pick one (maybe 3, I haven't quite decided), hopefully this summer, as well.

Here is a link that might be useful: Tales of a Transplanted Gardener

I have also never been a fan of Aspens in the lower elevations. A neighbor had them and HUGE snail-like creatures teemed on the branches. These trees seemed to get diseased early.