Aspen will not compete well in mixtures with other hardwood species such as maple, basswood, ash and oak. Aspen has a shorter natural life span than these other species and aspen is not as shade tolerant. Over time the aspen will die from disease and will be replaced by more shade tolerant species. Mixed hardwood stands can be managed either for aspen or other hardwoods but not both. Clearcutting a mixed stand will favor aspen regeneration. Removing aspen during thinnings will set the stage for perpetuating other hardwood species.