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The best growth of aspen was with trees that were weeded. This was likely related to <br />lower water stress of the trees, since weeds competed with the trees for the limited water <br />supply. This was particularly apparent on the roto - cleared soils where weed competition <br />was high. <br />Root growth: <br />Similar to top growth, root growth was greater in weeded plots compared to non - weeded <br />plots on the roto - cleared soil. Effect of weeding on root growth of dozer cleared soils was <br />less evident, likely since weed competition was considerably less and growth was less on <br />the dozer cleared soils. Roots in most treatments were of sufficient size but too deep to <br />support suckering. Nevertheless, sucker initiation was likely inhibited by apical <br />dominance of the growing trees. Lateral root extension was progressing, but was <br />considerably slower in the un- weeded plots and on the dozer cleared soils. The upward <br />growth of roots toward the soil surface that was observed indicates that care should be <br />taken in future plantings to plant trees only to a depth of the original root collar. <br />OVERALL RECOMMENDATION <br />Best conditions for reproduction of aspen on reclaimed surface mined coal lands is by <br />using transplanted saplings from local sources on freshly placed soil removed from aspen <br />stands. Care should be taken to avoid compaction of the replaced soil. Transplanted trees <br />should be planted no deeper than the original root collar, and weeds should be controlled <br />around individual trees. Irrigation with non -saline water might enhance growth and <br />survival in years with drought conditions. <br />ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS <br />We acknowledge the assistance of Lance Asherin, John Frank, and John <br />Korfmacher, Rocky Mountain Research Station and Dominic Olivas, Colorado <br />State University in conducting this study; and Roy Karo, Peabody Energy, <br />for providing irrigation water and local logistical support. This study was partially <br />funded by DOI OSM, Seneca Coal Company, Colorado State University, and the <br />US Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. <br />References: <br />Baker, F.S. 1925. Aspen in the central Rocky Mountain region. Bulletin 1291. <br />Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Agriculture. 47 p. <br />Cryer, D.H.; Murray, J.E. 1992. Aspen regeneration and soils. Rangelands. <br />14: (4) 223 -226. <br />• DeByle, Norbert V. and Winokur, Robert P., eds. 1985. Aspen: ecology and <br />