Hybrid Poplars from Hell

[guywhofishes]

Why do people plant them?

Sure, they grow like weeds, but it's all downhill from there.

People who plant them are nutso.

That is all.

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Wait - no, that's not all.

The stink when they're rotting.

They die the second they reach full height.

They spread like an invasive.

They cost the owner $1000s to remove.

They're tall enough to reach the house when a storm blows them over after they start dying. Even if planted 1/4 mile away.

That last statement is an exaggeration - but barely.

 

[nxtgeneration]

I hate the bastards. We bought a rural lot that had 50 or so planted around the perimeter. Half dead and half sorta alive. The root structure sucks too. Even the 15'ers still need to be tied down or they will tip right over.

 

[riverview]

as advertised they are a good fast wind break, some pulp company's farm them in mn.

 

[Allen]

I get it, they grow like a damn weed. I have some that grow 6 ft per year. In that sense you can buy a treeless piece of land and have some shade in just a few years, but every time the wind blows you get limbs galore everywhere! Only thing worse IMHO are willows, and guess what the majority of the rest of the trees are at my place? About every other year I have a burn pile of deadfall and removed trees that is roughly 20 ft wide, 10 ft tall, and 50 ft long.

The only thing I will say is that if you plant them, make sure you plant some longer lasting varieties so that when the willows and hybrid poplars (some are called Aus-Trees) are on their way out you aren't left with a treeless landscape. In that sense, add something other than just conifers and lilacs. A good mix of maples, ash, oak, and other hardwoods are slow growing but by the time those softwoods burn out in 30 years, they are looking pretty good. This is also when you will need access to a good chainsaw and stump grinder.

 

[guywhofishes]

Near my place - these are monsters. Can't imagine dealing with them as an average homeowner. (which means $$$$$)

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His neighbor - having seen what is happening next door - planted a whole bunch of them

Because he hates whoever is going to own his house in 20-30 years I guess?



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My neighbor has let some spring up. They're the loudest trees imaginable when the wind blows. (like trembling aspen... times five).

 

[johnr]

Maple trees in western ND do not take, however they city/state seems to try to get them to grow every season and 75% are dead next spring. Makes zero sense to keep trying.
I have some pear trees in my yard that are quite spiffy.

 

[scrotcaster]

I think the only reason those hybrid populars are here is that the devil doesn't want them back.

 

[Retired-Guy]

Maple trees in western ND do not take, however they city/state seems to try to get them to grow every season and 75% are dead next spring. Makes zero sense to keep trying.
I have some pear trees in my yard that are quite spiffy.

We planted an Autumn Blaze maple that only survived about 3 winters. We do have a couple of beautiful Silver Cloud and Silver Queen maples that have survived for over 20 years. They don't turn red in the fall; just yellow.

 

[watson]

Just plant boxelder and Russian olive, they're the only trees that will be left in 10 yrs

 

[SDMF]

I've got a giant silver maple in the back-yard. Summbitch waits until there's snow on the ground every year to drop it's leaves. Doesn't matter if the 1st snow is in Oct or Feb, those leaves stay away from the mower until there's too much snow to mow them. Then every spring the backyard has greasy dirty shit-like leaves that muck up the grass growing for a few weeks until they dry out enough to bag.

 

[Tikka280ai]

And elm trees. Fuckers have started to take over a couple alfalfa meadows and pastures. Grandpa still wishes he woulda killed them off with a hoe in the 60s

 

[Retired-Guy]

I've got a giant silver maple in the back-yard. Summbitch waits until there's snow on the ground every year to drop it's leaves. Doesn't matter if the 1st snow is in Oct or Feb, those leaves stay away from the mower until there's too much snow to mow them. Then every spring the backyard has greasy dirty shit-like leaves that muck up the grass growing for a few weeks until they dry out enough to bag.

The Silver Cloud looses its leaves early enough but the Silver Queen hangs on to those SOBs as you say so in the spring my south window wells are full those suckers.

 

[Captain Ahab]

I'm pretty sure the maker of small, non-commercial chainsaws invented them. That way, they fly off the shelves after every storm. Mine are almost all firewood right now.

 

[svnmag]

In the Hills they provide some upland forage and could be considered a hedge against erosion. Erosion was once a big deal up here; can't think of a tune. "Black Hole Sun" doesn't work.

I now see the thread is "poplars" not sycamores...drinking beer.

FWIW I could GAF (flying) about a lot of endangered species.

FUN FACT: The earliest fossils of walleye are from West Virginia.

 

[johnr]

I've got a giant silver maple in the back-yard. Summbitch waits until there's snow on the ground every year to drop it's leaves. Doesn't matter if the 1st snow is in Oct or Feb, those leaves stay away from the mower until there's too much snow to mow them. Then every spring the backyard has greasy dirty shit-like leaves that muck up the grass growing for a few weeks until they dry out enough to bag.

I dont have one, but some mother fucker up wind does, and never fail. I get my yard all cleaned up for the winter season, and then the neighbor does not, and I get to do it all over again, 5+ times.

 

[BrokenBackJack]

Maybe put an old rake by his front door. Buy a few of them at an auction and keep doing it and maybe he will get the hint.
Doubt it but worth a try.

 

[guywhofishes]

I dont have one, but some mother fucker up wind does, and never fail. I get my yard all cleaned up for the winter season, and then the neighbor does not, and I get to do it all over again, 5+ times.

(sung to the sound of Rhinestone Cowboy)

Like a rake-ing cowboooy... (ba dum dumb...)

Raking leaves in his yard that aren't eeeven his....

And neighbors laughing be-hind his back.

________________________________

Thanks, I'll be here all week.

Don't forget to tip Juanr on your way out.

 

[Obi-Wan]

These trees are planted for the one who plants them to enjoy the benefits other trees are planted for the next owner to enjoy.

 

[snow1]

Agreed,had my fill with poplars,max age is 6-7 years,not worth a shit for fire wood,just like wheeping willows I had,also agree with silver maples,my old 100yr old giant POS gives my house great shade,but all summer it's pick-up stix after a wind storm,and late fall gutter cleaning from all the leaves.

 

[wslayer]

I am guilty of this. Poplars on inside of shelterbelt when moved in. Pickup branches everytime the wind blows. 1/2 of other side of property, trees dieing like crazy so planted 1/2 dozen for quick growing to help block view along with some lilac bushes. ;:;badidea