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Lombardy Poplar Tree
Lombardy Poplar Tree
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Populus nigra 'Italica'
The Lombardy Poplar (Populus nigra ‘Italica’) is the ultimate vertical accent tree—tall, fast-growing, and dramatic, with a narrow, columnar form that cuts through the skyline like an exclamation point. This bare root variety is prized for its rapid growth and formal, architectural presence, often used as a living fence, windbreak, or privacy screen.
Ideal for creating structure in large landscapes, the Lombardy Poplar is a go-to for growers who want instant height, sharp symmetry, and bold beauty—without the wait.
Lombardy Poplar
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| 🌱 Variety | Rooted |
| 🌿 Botanical Name | Populus nigra ‘Italica’ |
| 🏷️ Common Names | Lombardy Poplar, Italian Poplar |
| 🌳 Mature Height | 40–60 feet (can reach 70+ ft) |
| 🌐 Mature Width | 10–15 feet |
| 📈 Growth Rate | Very fast (3–6 feet per year) |
| ⏳ Lifespan | 15–25 years |
| 🧊 USDA Zones | 3–9 |
| ☀️ Sun Preference | Full sun (6+ hours daily) |
| 🧱 Soil Type | Well-drained loam, clay, or sandy soils |
| ⚖️ Soil pH | Adaptable; prefers neutral to slightly alkaline (6.5–8.0) |
| 💧 Water Needs | Moderate; prefers consistent moisture |
| 🍃 Foliage Color | Bright green (spring/summer), yellow (fall) |
| 🌿 Growth Habit | Narrow, upright, strongly vertical |
| 🔁 Deciduous? | Yes |
| ↔️ Spacing | 5–8 feet for screens; 10–15 feet for specimen planting |
| 🏡 Landscape Uses | Privacy screens, windbreaks, farm borders, vertical accents |
| 🧹 Maintenance Level | Moderate |
Environmental Benefits
🌬️ Acts as a natural wind barrier, protecting fields and homes from strong gusts
🌿 Offers quick shade and screening, especially in wide-open landscapes
📏 Grows extremely fast, delivering impact within a few seasons
🌎 Provides carbon absorption and habitat for birds and small wildlife
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|
| 🚀 One of the fastest-growing trees available | ⏳ Shorter lifespan (15–25 years) |
| 🧱 Ideal for tight spaces and narrow planting areas | 🍄 Susceptible to disease and pests if not monitored |
| 🌬️ Excellent for windbreaks and privacy | 🌿 Can sucker aggressively if roots are not managed |
| 🏞️ Provides immediate visual impact | ⚰️ May require replacement sooner than other long-lived trees |
| 🌍 Adaptable to various soils and climates | 🔧 Needs regular maintenance in formal designs |
Planting & Care Guide
🛁 Soak roots for 6–12 hours before planting
🕳️ Dig a hole twice as wide as the root spread; keep root flare at soil level
🌾 Add mulch (2–3 inches) to conserve moisture and block weeds
💦 Water deeply 1–2 times per week during first growing season
✂️ Prune in winter to remove suckers and shape young growth
🧪 Fertilize in early spring with a balanced slow-release tree fertilizer
The Lombardy Poplar is your ticket to fast, dramatic growth and structured landscapes that make a statement. Perfect for privacy, wind protection, or bold vertical contrast—this living landmark turns open land into organized beauty in record time.
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