Poplar Trees
Have you ever wondered why Poplar trees are planted the highest in the United States? Well, these poplar trees are well-known for their immense beauty. Poplar is grown successively at a rapid speed. The poplar plant comes from the genus of varying 35 species of the Willow family, also known as Salicaceae. Popularly grown in North America, these trees are categorized under several different names, such as Cottonwood, Aspen, and Balsam Poplar trees. Populus is a name that dates back to Roman times when there was a trend of planting poplar trees surrounding public gathering sites. The trees, also known as kalam, are cultivated from prunings and produced yearly in January and February. They are available on the market until the month of November.
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Properties of the Poplar Trees
Oval Poplar Tree
The poplar trees are differentiated based on the three varying categories, like, ‘Oval’, ‘Under’, and ‘Sokta’. The oval poplar trees possess heart-shaped leaves and their structure is different from the rest of the other poplar species. These trees tend to tremble in the fast wind because of their flat petioles. Having a fast growth rate, the poplar trees are known to have the shortest life span. Plywood, storage boxes, papers, veneers, and crates are the most common products made from poplar trees. Poplars and aspens are significant feeding plants for a huge number of Lepidoptera species, with aspens being among the most essential boreal broadleaf trees. The cottonwood area of the Poplars is frequently described as wetlands or river trees.
Distribution of the Poplar Trees
Poplar Tree Distribution
The poplar tree is found in northern temperate climates from North America to Eurasia and northern Africa. However, outside of the United Kingdom, different varieties of Populus have suffered severe dieback, owing to a moth endemic to North America, Sesia apiformis, that unnerves down into the base of a tree throughout its larval stage. According to the most recent record, the western balsam poplar was the very first tree species to have its whole DNA code established by DNA sequencing in the year 2006.
Scientific Classification of the Poplar Trees
The kingdom of the poplar trees is known as Plantae. The subkingdom to which it belongs is Tracheobionta and the superdivision of the poplar plant is Spermatophyta. The division of this tree is Magnoliophyta and its class is referred to as Magnoliopsida. The poplar trees have a subclass named Dilleniidae and the order of this poplar plant is Salicales. Belonging to the family of Salicaceae, the poplar trees are termed for their genus as Populus L.
Poplar Tree Root System
Poplar Tree Roots
- The Poplar tree is usually cultivated in damp areas, however, it takes at least five years for the tree’s root system to reach its maximum structure. The plant’s seeds are covered in lengthy, silky hair that helps the leaves expand and be pollinated by the breeze.
- Their height ranges from 80 to 150 feet tall, with a range of 160 to 450 feet out from the base. The elder poplar trees, without the new variations, could only emerge after a 16-year period.
- When confronted with obstacles such as concrete bases, trees are prone to follow the route of least resistance zones and frequently deviate or turn. However, if the roots locate gaps in the sewage system, they could cause a problem.
What are the Functions of a Poplar Root System?
The root system of poplar trees is quite extensive. It has been observed to extend out to two or three times the size of the tree. The roots of the tree thrive healthily in the condition of sufficient air and water. They immediately jump on such a resource because of the need for space and water capacity. They will spread in any basement foundation or a damaged sewer line. Despite the fact that modern construction processes and materials are immune to such tree roots, problems related to the growth of the poplar roots still remain.
Are Roots of the Poplar Trees Invasive?
Some of the features of invasive root types can be found in the roots of poplar trees. The roots of the quickly growing trees start sending suckers, which generate new poplar trees in all areas. Stumps, chopped trees, roots, and even falling branches can all sprout the unwanted stem. The tree keeps its old-fashioned appeal by renewing itself by dispersing the female tree’s spongy seeds. It starts producing seeds when it is around 8-10 years old.
Invasive Roots of a Poplar Tree
In locations where erosion is an issue, the spreading ability of the poplar root system is beneficial, but it is a disadvantage in urban settings. The silver-leafed poplar (Populus alba), resistant in USDA zones 3 through 9, is among the most attractive of the genus. While the silver poplar reaches 30 to 50 feet in height with dark green leaves and silvery bottom part, it also develops a large number of root suckers, making it an appealing landscape tree. To prevent the tree’s suckers from developing into a big thicket in the lawn, routine pruning with a lawnmower or loppers is required.
What Factors Affect the Growth of the Poplar Tree Roots?
- The rapidly-growing poplar trees can develop below the soil as well. The development of these poplar trees varies upon many factors such as good soil quality, adequate sunlight, moisture content, and the use of mulch in pruning the trees.
- While yearly pruning is essential to remove the tree’s old or diseased wood, sunshine and open areas remain the most important factors in allowing the roots to thrive.
- Additionally, because of its reliance on water, it is frequently classified as an invasive plant if its water needs are not supplied. As a result, in addition to the aforementioned conditions, wet, well-drained soil with mild acidity is required.
How do the Poplar Trees Grow During Different Seasons?
Poplar trees may grow up to 130 feet in diameter and have a powerful root system. They do, however, change their pattern of development with the seasons.
Springtime
The tree’s blooms bloom early in the spring season, well before the leaves. Male and female flowers both produce catkins, which dangle from the branches.
Summers
From the green that grows in the summer season, the poplar tree’s fruit turns to a reddish capsule type. A large number of tiny seeds are packed into the capsule.
Fall
Throughout the autumn season, the color of the leaves changes from golden to dazzling gold to yellow when they fall, and the bark obtained in the fall season is often quite soft and thus easier to cut.
Winters
The trees are frequently plucked during this season, especially in the months of January and February. Typically, the trees are cultivated from clippings or kalam.
