Trees enhance any landscape, providing shade, privacy, and aesthetic appeal. For rapid results, the Andover Poplar is a compelling choice, known for its vigorous growth rate and suitability for various landscape applications.
What is the Andover Poplar
The Andover Poplar (Populus x jackii ‘Andover’) is a specific hybrid poplar, a cultivated variety developed to combine desirable traits. It typically adds 3 to 8 feet in height annually, reaching mature heights of 50 to 100 feet with a 20 to 30-foot spread, forming an oval shape. Its leaves are triangular or heart-shaped, with a silvery-green top and paler underside.
Benefits of Growing Andover Poplar
A primary advantage of cultivating Andover Poplar is its exceptionally fast growth, which quickly provides shade and acts as an effective privacy screen. This rapid development makes it suitable for establishing windbreaks or creating a treeline on larger properties in a relatively short timeframe. The tree also demonstrates adaptability to a range of soil conditions, though it performs best in well-drained, moist, and slightly acidic soils. The Andover Poplar exhibits general hardiness and resistance to certain common poplar diseases.
Planting Andover Poplar
Successful establishment of an Andover Poplar requires careful site selection. These trees thrive in full sun, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Well-draining soil is important; amend heavy soils with organic matter or sand to improve drainage.
Dig the planting hole two to three times wider than the root ball, but only as deep as the root ball, ensuring the root flare is at or slightly above ground level. This wide, shallow hole encourages root spread. After positioning the tree, backfill with excavated soil, watering thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
For initial planting, create a small berm around the base to retain water. If planting multiple trees for a screen or windbreak, space them 10 to 20 feet apart for adequate growth.
Caring for Andover Poplar
Consistent watering is crucial for Andover Poplars, particularly during establishment and dry spells. Newly planted trees need deep watering (10-30 gallons) weekly in dry conditions for the first two to three years. After the first year, reduce frequency to every two weeks, adjusting based on soil moisture. Newly planted trees benefit from a balanced fertilizer, applied in late fall or early spring.
Pruning maintains the Andover Poplar’s structural integrity, especially when young. Annually remove any dead or diseased wood. For shaping or removing lower branches, do so gradually, removing one or two branches per year over several years. As the tree matures, prune every three to five years to maintain its form.
Important Considerations for Andover Poplar
While Andover Poplars grow rapidly, their vigorous, shallow, and invasive root system is a key consideration. These roots can impact nearby structures, foundations, septic systems, or paved areas. Plant Andover Poplars at least 50 feet away from buildings or underground infrastructure to prevent issues.
Like many fast-growing trees, Andover Poplars have a shorter lifespan, typically 50 to 70 years. Their rapid growth also results in softer wood, making them susceptible to branch breakage during high winds or severe storms. Therefore, careful placement is necessary, especially in windy areas, to avoid property damage. These trees are not suitable for smaller urban lots due to their mature size and extensive root systems.