Cutting down an aspen tree involves felling the tree itself and, crucially, addressing its extensive root system to prevent vigorous regrowth. Unlike many other trees, aspens are known for sending up numerous sprouts from their roots, making it essential to kill the entire connected root network if you wish to permanently remove the tree.
The Aspen Challenge: Understanding Regrowth
When cutting down a quaking aspen tree, it is necessary to kill the entire root system connected with the original tree. As long as the root system is alive, it will continue sending up sprouts. This means simply cutting the trunk at the base will not be enough to stop new trees from emerging across a potentially wide area connected by the roots.
Steps to Cutting Down an Aspen Tree
The process involves two main stages: safely felling the tree and then effectively treating the stump and roots.
1. Planning and Preparation
- Assess the Tree: Evaluate the tree's lean, height, and the surrounding area to determine a safe felling direction.
- Clear the Area: Remove obstacles and establish a clear escape path away from the felling direction.
- Gather Tools: You will need a chainsaw, safety gear (helmet with face shield, hearing protection, gloves, chaps), and potentially felling wedges or a felling lever.
- Check Local Regulations: Ensure you have necessary permits or permissions to cut down a tree on your property.
2. Safely Felling the Tree
This is a dangerous task and often best left to professionals. If attempting it yourself, follow proper felling techniques:
- The Notch Cut: Make an angled cut (usually 45-60 degrees) into the side of the tree facing the desired felling direction, followed by a horizontal cut to remove a wedge of wood. This creates a hinge. The notch should typically penetrate about one-third of the tree's diameter.
- The Back Cut: Make a horizontal cut on the opposite side of the tree, slightly above the horizontal line of the notch cut. Cut towards the notch, leaving a "hinge" of wood between the two cuts. This hinge controls the tree's fall.
- Control the Fall: As the back cut progresses, the tree will start to lean. Use felling wedges inserted into the back cut if needed to help direct the fall.
- Retreat: Once the tree begins to fall, immediately move quickly and safely along your predetermined escape path.
3. Essential Step: Killing the Root System
This is the critical step for aspen unique challenge, as highlighted by the reference. Simply cutting the tree down will result in aggressive root suckering. To prevent this:
- Apply Herbicide to the Stump: This is the most common and effective method.
- Timing: Apply herbicide as soon as possible after felling, ideally within minutes or hours, while the stump is still "fresh."
- Application: Apply a systemic herbicide (one designed to be absorbed and travel through the plant's system) directly to the freshly cut surface of the stump. Focus particularly on the cambium layer (the ring just inside the bark), as this is where the tree transports nutrients and the herbicide will be absorbed into the roots.
- Products: Look for herbicides specifically formulated for stump treatment, often containing glyphosate or triclopyr. Follow product label instructions carefully.
- Other Methods: While herbicide on the stump is most effective for permanent removal and preventing sprouts, other methods like repeated cutting of new sprouts can eventually deplete the root system, but this is a long and arduous process.
Important Considerations
- Safety First: Tree felling is hazardous. Always wear appropriate safety gear and consider hiring a certified arborist, especially for larger trees or complex situations.
- Environmental Impact: Be mindful of the type and amount of herbicide used and its potential impact on surrounding vegetation and water sources.
- Professional Help: For safe and effective removal, including proper stump and root treatment to prevent regrowth, hiring a professional tree service is highly recommended.
To successfully cut down an aspen tree and ensure it doesn't return through root sprouts, you must combine safe felling practices with effective methods for killing the entire connected root system.
