How Fast Do Speckled Alders Grow?

Climate Requirements

• The native range of the speckled alder reaches from the American Northeast into Canada, where they thrive in moist areas along rivers, lakes and ponds. They are highly tolerant of cold conditions, but require a minimum of 80 frost-free days to put on significant growth. Areas where drought is common are not suitable for growing speckled alders, although short dry spells can be overcome with careful watering and shading. Additionally, speckled alders possess a very low tolerance for salinity and shouldn't be grown in coastal areas, or near brackish or salty water.

Growing Conditions

• Choosing an appropriate planting site for speckled alders is vital, because their growing conditions wield a tremendous influence over their growth rate and long-term health. Full sun exposure is best, although they will tolerate light or dappled shade during the hottest part of the day. The soil must be moist and fast draining with a pH of 4.8 to 7.7, which is moderately acidic to mildly alkaline. Avoid planting speckled alders in coarse or heavy soil, because it may settle and cause drainage issues, which may impact the trees' root health.

Care

• If properly situated, speckled alder needs very little care or attention. However, they benefit from regular watering while young to encourage healthy root production. Supplemental irrigation can be scaled back significantly once the tree is established, but should be resumed during periods of extended heat or drought. Light pruning to remove lower branches and promote a more open shape is acceptable, although not necessary. Additionally, no fertilizer or other supplemental nutrients are required to grow speckled alders and it may, in fact, contribute to weakened branch strength.

Considerations

• Speckled alders spread by rhizomatous roots to form dense, shrubby thickets. Although it makes them useful for erosion control along sandy creek beds and river banks, such dense growth also may cause issues in suburban landscaping. Plant speckled alders well away from structures, water pipes and septic systems to prevent property damage, and install root barriers around the base to limit their spread in open fields.