Aspen: description and properties of its wood, how it propagates and uses

Aspen is one of the most common trees that grows in different countries of the world. This culture is used to decorate parks and garden plots. Anyone can grow a tree if they want. A characteristic feature of the aspen are mobile fluttering leaves. Therefore, it received the name "trembling poplar." The plant has decorative properties and high-quality wood.

Tree description

This culture belongs to the Willow family. The tree trunk grows in a columnar pattern. The largest plants in girth reach 1 meter. In this case, the height can be 35 meters.

Aspen root system is deep underground. It is characterized by the active development of offspring. The trunk of the tree is covered with a smooth bark of a light green hue. The main part of the wood has a white tint with greenish notes.

Shaking leaves are considered a distinctive feature of the culture. They are quite dense and fixed on thin petioles. Because the foliage is very susceptible to even the smallest breath of wind.

Other important features of the aspen include the following:

• another arrangement of leaves;
• rounded or diamond-shaped leaves;
• pinnate veins and crenate edges;
• flattened petioles on the sides;
• dioecious nature of plants.

Aspen is characterized by not very expressive flowering. Only observant people can determine its beginning. The tree has small and inconspicuous flowers that form hanging earrings. Flowering continues until the foliage opens.

In summer and spring, aspen leaves look pretty simple. They are green in color and shiny. In autumn, the foliage can take on different shades - yellow, orange, red.

The fruits of the tree are presented in the form of boxes. Inside them are small seeds. Old branches are prone to severe brittleness. Flower buds are thick and have dark hues - most often red-brown or green-chestnut.

Aspen pollen spreads for miles. This is due not only to lightness, but also to the presence of special villi, which are distinguished by high windage. Under normal conditions, aspen lives 60-80 years. With careful care of the tree, this period can increase up to 100 years. It should be borne in mind that old trees do not have very high quality wood. The industry uses plants no older than 40-45 years.

Expert opinionZarechny Maxim ValerievichAgronomist with 12 years of experience. Our best gardening expert.Ask a QuestionIn addition to the common aspen, there is also its triploid variety. However, this tree is quite rare. Its characteristic features are the large size of foliage and dark gray bark. Such a plant is characterized by large earrings that reach 25 centimeters. This type of culture has a very durable wood. Because it is appreciated by woodworkers.

Distribution area

Aspen grows in Russia and in many other countries of the world. This culture has become widespread in Europe, China, Kazakhstan, Mongolia. These trees are also found in South Korea.

This culture is often found in forests and forest-steppes. It can also be seen on the borders of forests and tundra. Such a tree grows on forest edges and on the banks of a reservoir. Sometimes it is found in ravines, on dry sand and in places of clearing.The wide distribution of the tree is due to its undemanding to the composition of the soil.

There are pure aspen forests and combinations of culture with other plants - pines, birches, spruces, oaks, larches, alders. In the steppes, aspen trees form colonies called pegs. They can occupy significant areas - up to several hectares.

Aspen prefers well-lit areas. It also occurs in shady areas. However, in such areas the tree is small. The fertility of the soil directly affects the growth rate. In loamy or swampy soil, the plant is more likely to die.

Young plants can drop branches. This is not due to the influence of mechanical factors. When the shoots fall off, an even and smooth cut remains. Such a reset protects the culture from a deficiency of useful elements. Aspen can also drop leaves.

Properties of wood

Aspen wood is characterized by its white color, which has bluish or greenish notes. Sometimes yellow spots appear in the cut zone. This material is soft, but at the same time quite strong. When it dries, it almost does not crack. Such wood can be easily cut and processed.

Aspen wood is homogeneous, which allows it to be made into thin chips. This material is actively used for the manufacture of packaging. It is also often used in art.

How aspen breeds

When planting an aspen on your site, it is important to choose the right place for it. In this case, it is recommended to focus on such points:

1. Light - Aspen needs good lighting. If there are tall trees nearby, the culture will be located in the shade all the time. This could be her death.
2. Wind protection - adult aspens themselves serve as a barrier against drafts for other plants. However, young seedlings are not as strong. Under the influence of sharp gusts of wind, the tree may break. Therefore, aspen should not be planted in areas that are strongly blown.
3. Features of the soil - aspen is undemanding to the composition of the soil. To make the culture look decorative, it should be planted in fertile soil.

An important feature of aspen seeds is considered low endurance. Material for planting is unsuitable after a few days after collection. In addition, to obtain full-fledged seedlings, it is important to plant seeds in well-moistened soil. If the ground is dry or covered with a dense layer of leaves, the grains will get stuck. This will lead to their death.

To grow aspen from seeds, you need to do the following:

1. Clear the area. First of all, you need to remove the remains of plants. It is recommended to burn them or take them away from the site.
2. Loosen the soil. This is required in order for the aspen to take root well. If the soil is not too fertile, it is worth putting a small amount of compost into it in the process of loosening. It is also permissible to use rotted humus for this.
3. Water the area. For this, it is recommended to use warm and settled water. It is important that the irrigation of the soil is plentiful.
4. Sow the seeds. After preliminary preparation, seeds can be planted. At the same time, it is not required to make special grooves - just sprinkle the grains on the loosened area.

Aspen is characterized by rapid development. After 2 years, a full-fledged tree will appear on the site. There is also a quick way to grow a young crop. To do this, the tree is propagated with the help of processes. To get the desired result, it is recommended to do the following:

1. Find offshoots. Planting material can be found in the forest. Suitable shoots are usually located at a short distance from the adult culture. That's why it's easy to find them.
2. Separate the young plant. After detecting the process, it is required to carefully clean the soil around it. Under a layer of earth, you can find a long and thick root that goes to an adult tree. It needs to be carefully separated. This can be done with a shovel.
3. Transport the offspring to the site. To do this, the root system of the excavated culture must be wrapped in a damp cloth. This is required so that it does not dry out during transportation.
4. Prepare the plant for planting. To do this, it is recommended to open the root system and carefully examine it. Dry or damaged areas must be removed. After that, the roots of the seedling should be soaked in a growth stimulator. This will help the plant to quickly adapt to new conditions.
5. Replant culture.It is recommended to plant a young plant 10-12 meters from the buildings. Otherwise, there is a risk of damage to the foundation. When digging a recess for planting, you need to focus on the size of the roots. When planting several trees, it is important to observe an interval of 2 meters. If you break this rule, grown plants will not be able to develop normally.

In the first two weeks after planting the aspen, the soil needs to be well watered. It is recommended to continue this procedure until the sprout adapts to new conditions.

Where does it apply

Aspen wood is often used in construction. It is used in the construction of houses and other buildings. The material is hygroscopic and quickly releases moisture. Therefore, it can be used for the construction of baths and saunas. Such structures will serve for a long time without emitting resin. In addition, they have a pleasant aroma.

Another advantage of aspen wood is its affordable price.In addition, this material is characterized by bactericidal properties. It is important to bear in mind that not all materials on the market are of high quality. Aspen wood is characterized by strong shrinkage. This leads to the fact that the material during the mandatory drying is twisted and turned inside out. That's why it's so important to carefully control humidity.

Woodworking enterprises use this type of wood to make the following materials:

• Fibreboard;
• chipboard;
• boards;
• beam;
• slats;
• round timber.

Aspen furniture can be installed in baths, swimming pools, kitchens and other rooms that are characterized by high humidity. Also, such products can be placed outdoors or in rooms that are not heated.An important advantage of such furniture is the relatively low cost. Thanks to its bactericidal properties, it can be safely placed in children's rooms.

The downside of such products is not very attractive appearance. However, they fit perfectly into some styles - rustic, ecological, hunting. In addition, visual imperfections can be eliminated with the help of staining. The following products are often made from aspen solid wood:

• tables;
• boxes;
• cabinets;
• chairs;
• buffets;
• racks;
• shelves;
• upholstered furniture frames.

Also, aspen wood is used to make interior doors and rustic log cabins. This material is suitable for artistic carving and making all kinds of accessories.

Aspen is actively used in landscape design.This tree can be safely used for landscaping areas, including city parks and squares. This solution has additional benefits. Fallen leaves quickly saturate the soil with valuable substances. Thanks to this, it is possible not to make additional top dressing. This compost is perfect for private gardens and flower beds. The root system strengthens the crumbling banks of rivers and lakes. It also helps to strengthen the slopes of ravines.

Densely leafy aspen closes other plantings from wind and drafts. This tree is fast growing. This is of great importance for the landscaping of large areas. The tree can be grown even in polluted places. It looks good in single and group plantings. You can also create a hedge for aspen.

The possibilities of using aspen do not end there. Salicylic acid is obtained from the bark of this crop, which is actively used in the cosmetic industry. This substance activates collagen synthesis and makes the skin smoother.

Aspen is also used to solve such problems:

• tree branches are used to ferment cabbage;
• aspen chips are a good source of fuel for thermal power plants and act as a heater;
• private homes often use aspen wood and pellets;
• wood is used to make cardboard and paper;
• aspen veneer is used to make plywood, matches, baskets, boxes, toothpicks;
• wood burned in a vacuum environment is high-quality charcoal, which is used in the chemical industry, medicine, creativity;
• the bark is used for tanning leather and for the production of red and yellow dyes;
• aspen flowers are excellent honey plants and are used to make glue.

Interesting facts

Aspen has a graceful appearance. This is due to the small ratio between the height of the trunk and its cross section near the soil surface. There are also many other interesting facts about aspen:

1. There is an ancient belief that the aspen is an excellent weapon against various evil spirits - in particular, against werewolves and vampires.
2. The tree grows fast, but often faces diseases.
3. Aspen leaves tremble and rustle even at the slightest breeze.

Aspen is a fairly common crop that is found in different countries of the world. It is used in construction and landscape design.

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