A Colorado State University study found aspen trees’ moisture-rich leaves and fire-resistant traits make them less flammable, helping slow wildfire spread. The research highlights aspens as a valuable tool for crews to create fire-safe zones and protect Colorado’s communities and ecosystems.

Colorado

A recent study led by Colorado State University, in collaboration with Western Colorado University and the U.S. Forest Service, has found that aspen trees can play a significant role in slowing the spread of wildfires in Colorado. The research, which examined over 300 fires in the Southwest, determined that areas with more than 25% aspen coverage experienced less daily fire growth due to the trees' higher moisture content and lower flammability.

The study suggests that promoting aspen growth through methods like tree thinning or prescribed burns could be an effective wildfire mitigation strategy. Experts also recommend that residents in fire-prone areas consider planting aspens, ensuring proper maintenance such as limbing branches to reduce fire risk near homes. The findings represent a promising step in addressing Colorado's ongoing wildfire challenges.

New CSU study shows aspen trees could slow down wildfires in Colorado

Aspen trees aren't just a pretty site in the fall. They could also be a valuable tool for crews fighting wildfires in the state. Denver 7's Adria Irohita breaks down a new CSU study and why their findings could be a key solution to making our forests more fire safe. Aspens, a Colorado staple, especially in the fall. Their highlighter yellow leaves usually draws people in. And now another reason to celebrate the Aspen tree. And what we found is that wildfires, when they interact with landscapes with a lot of Aspen, so like more than 25% of the landscape had some Aspen in it, fires tended to grow less in a given day. CSU's Camille Stevens-Ruman spearheaded a study along with researchers from Western Colorado University and the U.S. Forest Service. They looked at over 300 fires in the Southwest, finding that Aspen's higher moisture content made them less flammable and more capable of slowing fires drastically. Actions that help promote Aspen is one really great strategy to potentially help mitigate some of those future fires. Using methods like tree thinning or prescribed burns to promote Aspen growth in the forest. And if you live in fire prone areas, planting some in your yard could be a good idea. Aspens do have more open canopy style, but you wanna make sure that you are limbing them up six feet to 10 feet off the ground to help suppress those fires near your house. Wyatt Baschinski, nursery manager at Bath Gardens Center in Fort Collins tells me Aspens thrive when planted between 6,000 and 11,000 feet. Anything lower than that requires a little extra maintenance. They are very fast growers and it's because they have a crazy vigorous root system and that is kind of why they are good with the fires. Researchers say it's a big step forward in figuring out how to better deal with the state's year round fire season. That's really exciting, I think, as well, as we mourn the loss of these large wildfires, they also have the potential to help us as we think about fighting future fires. In Fort Collins, Adria Arrehida, Denver 7.

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Boston

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New York

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Hạ Long Bay

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As Suwayda

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Kyiv

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Rio de Janeiro

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Los Angeles

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Tennessee

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Damascus

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Mexico City

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Breakdown