Beware of quaking aspens

A devastating and dangerous army is silently invading neighborhoods and public areas of Coeur d’Alene and Spokane. Quaking aspen trees have been planted by homeowners and landscapers in our yards and public building landscapes.

They are beautiful with white bark and “shivering” leaves. But their root systems extend for up to 5 miles and send up new trees along these roots. They force other plants’ roots to the surface of the ground to eventually die. Their roots damage underground watering systems and can make concrete surfaces crack.

We are beginning to think spring and anxious to work in our gardens. Nurseries and garden stores are displaying enticing additions for our yards. Quaking aspens continue to be sold for landscaping and have been given away free to homeowners in the past few years.

Quaking aspens outside my property line have forced the removal of my lawn and two maple trees in effort to eradicate the invading labyrinth of aspen roots. So far, the expense to me has been several thousand dollars, and it will be an ongoing challenge.

Do not plant quaking aspens. And if you have them, you’d be wise to get rid of them as soon as possible.

Wilma Vail

Coeur d’Alene