Aspen Trees Mixed with Conifers
Aspen trees are the first to come back after a fire. They sprout quickly from root suckers. However, they are not shade tolerant. Spruce are shade tolerant and can sprout under an aspen canopy. The spruce grow slowly, but over time they shade out the aspen.
In this picture you can see where dead spruce have fallen and created openings for more aspen growth.
