Cottonwoods near houses are often removed due to safety concerns, both above and below ground. If you do want to plant it, it shouldn't be located near any structures, The cottonwood is polarizing; people either love it or hate it. The divide is as big as the tree itself.
Full Answer
Can you plant cottonwood trees?
Planting Cottonwood Trees They grow particularly well along lakes and rivers as well as in marshy areas. The trees prefer sandy or silty soil, but will tolerate most anything but heavy clay. They are hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 2 through 9. Planting cottonwood trees in home landscapes leads to problems.
Is a poplar tree the same as a cottonwood tree?
Poplars are sometimes referred to as ‘cottonless cottonwoods,’ but this is a misnomer. Most species in the Populus genus, including poplars, make cotton, but it is only the female trees that produce it.
How do cottonwood trees reproduce?
Seeding and sprouting are the cottonwood’s two major avenues of reproduction. Cottonwoods are dioecious, meaning individual trees are either male or female. Females grow necklace-like strings of seedpods that release millions of white, cottony seeds into the air, typically in June. Males grow purple flowers.
How to trim Cottonwood?
Trimming lower branches focuses the tree's energy upward. Cut crossing and rubbing branches from older cottonwoods with a pole-handled pruning saw that reaches up into the canopy. Rubbing branches causes bark injury, and cottonwood is soft enough as it is. Don't thin more than a third of the canopy foliage in any given year.
Should I plant a cottonwood?
They are hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 2 through 9. Planting cottonwood trees in home landscapes leads to problems. These messy trees have weak wood and are prone to disease. In addition, their massive size makes them out of scale for all but the largest landscapes.
Are cottonwood trees good trees?
The Pros of Cottonwood Fast growth and wonderful shade are reasons enough to cherish cottonwood, but these trees possess other qualities that make them worth planting. The leaves have flat stems, so they shimmer and rustle in the wind.
How long does it take for a cottonwood tree to grow?
Growth is most rapid in the first 25 to 30 years, by which time the trees can reach 15.2 to 22.9 m (50 to 75 ft) in height and 61.0 to 91.4 cm (24 to 36 in) in diameter. Cottonwood sources from Missouri (P.
Is the cottonwood tree invasive?
Cottonwoods are beautiful, fast-growing deciduous trees with vigorous, potentially invasive roots. Deep watering and careful placement away from pavement, septic systems, and sewer lines are important to keep roots from becoming a problem. They perform best in interior regions with hot summers and cold winters.
How far away from a house should I plant a cottonwood tree?
Cottonwoods have a surface root system that can heave sidewalks, crack walls and home foundations if planted too close. Cottonwoods should be planted a minimal distance from structures of at least 25 feet if not further.
What is the lifespan of a cottonwood tree?
Plains cottonwoods have an average lifespan of 70 years and reach about 60-80 feet in height. The Old Main Cottonwood is between 135 and 140 years old, 108 feet tall and 19 feet in circumference at the base of the trunk.
Is cottonwood good for anything?
Cottonwood is popular for making carvings, interior furniture parts, kitchen utensils such as cutting boards and spoons. In industry, cottonwood is used to make low-priced furniture such as fruit baskets, boxes, and an outdoor firepit. Cottonwood has similar properties and applications as basswood.
How do you start a cottonwood tree?
Cuttings from cottonwood and willow trees are able to sprout roots and leaves. Small cuttings of new growth, called whips, or larger cuttings from older wood, called poles, can be planted. Once planted, these cuttings can quickly turn into trees.
How far do cottonwood roots spread?
Apparently, the taproot grew as a thickening of the cutting. Lateral roots radiated out, particularly just below the groundline and near the bottom of the cutting. Most of the root biomass was between 3 and 12 inches deep in this clay soil, although a few small roots extended to the 4-foot depth.
Are cottonwood trees a fire hazard?
"They're highly flammable," said Fire Marshal James Lange of the Fridley Fire Department. He's seen the damage firsthand when he said a homeowner tried to burn the cottonwood fluff as a means of removing it.
Do cottonwood trees cause allergies?
Common Symptoms Cottonwood tree allergy symptoms can be similar to many other pollen allergies and may include: Sneezing. Nasal congestion. Runny nose.
Are cottonwood trees deep rooted?
The cottonwood tree is one that is genetically programmed to produce shallow roots because it grows naturally in flood plains.
Is cottonwood tree wood good for anything?
Although some cottonwood becomes commercial veneer for utility and low-priced furniture, most ends up as fruit and berry baskets or boxes. All of cottonwood's commercial qualities add up to make it perfect for children's toys and games. Thin stock also adapts well to painted or stenciled scrollsaw projects.
What can a cottonwood tree be used for?
American pioneers used the cottonwood's leaves for animal fodder and herbal teas, its canopy for shelter and its wood for fire and crafts. Cottonwoods consume large amounts of water in their growth cycle; a mature cottonwood tree uses 200 gallons of water a day!
How far do cottonwood tree roots spread?
Apparently, the taproot grew as a thickening of the cutting. Lateral roots radiated out, particularly just below the groundline and near the bottom of the cutting. Most of the root biomass was between 3 and 12 inches deep in this clay soil, although a few small roots extended to the 4-foot depth.
Do cottonwood trees cause allergies?
Common Symptoms Cottonwood tree allergy symptoms can be similar to many other pollen allergies and may include: Sneezing. Nasal congestion. Runny nose.
Where do cottonwood trees grow?
It’s a cherished shade tree, often planted in parks. In the wild, cottonwood grows along rivers, ponds and other bodies of water. It also thrives in floodplains and dry riverbeds, where infrequent rains transform dry land into waterways. Photo by: Shutterstock/Doug Matthews. Shutterstock/Doug Matthews.
Why are cottonwood trees so attractive?
Fast growth and wonderful shade are reasons enough to cherish cottonwood, but these trees possess other qualities that make them worth planting. The leaves have flat stems, so they shimmer and rustle in the wind. The effect is eye-catching and distinctively attractive. The tree offers strong fall color, with leaves fading to glowing shades of gold.
Why do cottonwood trees live in floodplains?
Liven up your yard and add shade quickly with these fast-growing trees that avoid the pitfalls of weak wood short lifespan. Because cottonwood trees are adapted to thrive in floodplains, they naturally have shallow root systems, so that as floodwaters recede, the roots can breathe and the tree survives.
What is cottonwood known for?
Learn about growing cottonwood trees, known for their ample shade and cotton-like seeds.
How much does cottonwood grow in a year?
Historically, cottonwood earned its place as a landscape tree because it grows rapidly, adding up to 6 feet a year. It's also a favorite for shade, with the large spread helping to cast cooling shade over homes and streets. There’s a cottonwood for nearly any region, with different hardy types in Zones 2 through 9.
What did Native Americans use cottonwood trees for?
Native Americans used cottonwood trees for dugout canoes and even transformed its bark into a medicinal tea. Cottonwood trees feature male and female parts on separate trees (female trees are the ones that produce the cottony substance that gives the tree its name).
What is the effect of cottonwood?
The effect is eye-catching and distinctively attractive. The tree offers strong fall color, with leaves fading to glowing shades of gold. In the wild, cottonwood is one of the fastest trees to colonize unplanted areas, making it a solid choice for areas prone to flooding and soil erosion.
What type of soil do cottonwood trees prefer?
The trees prefer sandy or silty soil , but will tolerate most anything but heavy clay. They are hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 2 through 9. Planting cottonwood trees in home landscapes leads to problems. These messy trees have weak wood and are prone to disease.
What is a cottonwood tree?
Image by William Dummitt. Cottonwoods ( Populus deltoides) are massive shade trees that grow naturally throughout the United States. You can recognize them at a distance by their broad, white trunks. They have lustrous, bright green foliage in summer that changes to brilliant yellow in fall. Read on for more cottonwood tree facts.
How Fast Does a Cottonwood Tree Grow?
Cottonwood trees are the fastest growing trees in North America. A young tree can add 6 feet (2 m.) or more in height each year. This rapid growth leads to weak wood that is easily damaged.
How to cut a tree with a long handle?
Using long-handled pruners, make the cuts close to the trunk, cutting at an angle that slants down and away from the tree. Leave stubs of about one-quarter inch. (2 cm.) Next, remove branches that cross each other and may rub together in the winds.
How to clean a tree with a disinfectant?
Wipe them down with a cloth saturated with alcohol or a disinfectant cleaner, or dip them in boiling water. Begin by removing all the branches from the lower one-third of the tree.
Do cottonwood trees produce seeds?
The cotton-covered seeds create a significant litter problem. Male cottonwood trees don’t produce seeds.
Can cottonwood trees be used as windbreaks?
Their rapid growth makes them well-suited to use as a windbreak tree. The tree is an asset in wildlife areas where their hollow trunk serves as shelter while the twigs and bark provide food. As lumber, cottonwood trees tend to warp and shrink, and the wood doesn’t have an attractive grain.
What tree helped settle the West?
If trees could receive awards for being a United States all-star, surely the cottonwood tree would make the list. It has a long North American history and one can almost say it helped settle the West. From being large, stately shade trees to a source of food for humans and livestock, it has a long and important history.
How to prevent a tree from dying from a disease?
Once the disease enters the tree’s vascular system, it eventually dies. The best way to prevent the problem is by using sterilized pruning tools. Remove any weak, damaged or dead wood as you notice it.
How many feet does a Siouxland tree grow?
Alternatively, the ‘Siouxland’ variety is a popular type that doesn’t produce seeds and only grows around 3 feet yearly.
What is the biggest threat to a tree?
Cytospora canker is generally the biggest threat. The fungal disease invades through areas of broken, weakened, or damaged wood. Since the spores are carried through rain, wind, and animals, it’s impossible not to have them make contact with the tree. The disease spreads through damaged portions and into the vascular system.
Why did the early settlers use wood?
Because of its abundance and easy workability, early settlers used the wood to make barns and homes. Today the wood is still used to make shipping crates and pallets. The pulp is used in the manufacturing of paper products.
What to use to kill a fungus on a tree?
Use a fungicide like mancozeb, chlorothalonil, or cupric sulfate to prevent new problems. Fungicides won’t cure already affected foliage.
What is the color of a tree's leaves?
This is another identifiable characteristic of the tree. All species are deciduous. The green leaves change to a glorious color of yellow-gold in fall before dropping. Trees are dioecious, which means springtime flowers are produced on both females and males. The male flowers pollinate trees with female flowers.
Where do cottonwoods grow?
Eastern Cottonwoods ( Populus deltoides) are large deciduous trees distributed densely throughout North America, from east of the Rocky Mountains to the Atlantic ocean. While it favors moist areas like stream beds and lakefronts, it is pretty adaptable and will do well just about anywhere. It is almost guaranteed that you've crossed paths with this wide-reaching tree if you live in or have visited its native habitat. The cottonwood's ability to spread far and wide has led the tree to become fabled and, by some, looked at with disdain.
How much does cottonwood grow?
Cottonwood grows eight feet per year in the right conditions. This rapid growth and its wide spread allow it to create amazing shade and tremendously efficient windbreaks, which can result in lower energy usage for nearby structures.
How does cottonwood tree fare?
Your cottonwood will fare best if you place the tree in a location that gets full sun throughout the day. One of the most appealing features of the species is its beautiful fall color, and good light will ensure you get that brilliant gold in the autumn you are hoping for.
What to do with cottonwood?
The two main tasks you attempt to do with your cottonwood are first to establish a single leader. One main trunk will be stronger than many offshoots, and two cut away any obviously weak, damaged, inward-pointing, or deeply crotched branches. Doing these tasks will help ensure that your cottonwood will keep strong branches and possibly keep you from costly damages after storms.
Is cottonwood polarizing?
The cottonwood is polarizing; people either love it or hate it. The divide is as big as the tree itself. You will have to make an equally big decision: is it the right tree for you and your landscape?
Do cottonwood trees like moist soil?
While your cottonwood prefers moist soil that drains well, it is great at adapting to the location it finds itself in once it has been established. If you can choose a location that isn't usually soaked but has consistent moisture, the tree will be delighted, and so will you since you won't have to worry about watering it as much.
Do you need fertilizer for cottonwood?
After the initial boost from the compost, you should not need to add any supplemental fertilizer to your tree.
Cottonwood Trees 101
The first thing you may want to know is there are two main species of cottonwood trees in the Denver metro area: narrowleaf cottonwoods, and plains cottonwoods. Here’s some amazing information from our friends at the Colorado State Forest Service about each of these amazing species:
Are Cottonwood Trees Illegal to Plant In Denver?
This may surprise you, but cottonwoods have been outlawed in much of the Denver metro area for the greater part of the past ten years. So, why is it illegal to plant cottonwoods in Denver? Because they are a massive and invasive tree species, and they have a habit of wanting to share your living space and even your utilities.
Trimming and Maintenance Tips for Cottonwood Trees
Cottonwood trees grow at a rapid pace, as much as six feet per year for new seedlings. With Colorado’s heavy spring snows and high winds, cottonwood trees can be susceptible to breakage. As a rule of thumb, never ‘top’ your cottonwood tree.
How long does it take to plant cottonwood seeds?
Planting cottowood tree seeds is an easy process, but you must plant the seeds within two to three days after you collect them.
How to germinate cottonwood seed?
Place one cottonwood tree seed every 1 inch in each of the shallow rows. Mist the entire contents of the seed tray until it is thoroughly saturated with water. Cottonwood tree seeds will typically being germinating within a few hours, so it's essential the germinating media remains moist but never sodden wet.
When to put cottonwood in a colander?
This is usually in June or early July. Place the cottonwood capsules into a fine-mesh wire colander or sieve. Put the sieve or colander in a warm location in your home where it will remain undisturbed. Let the capsules dry in the colander or sieve until the capsules start to crack open.
Harvesting the Poles
Poles are cut when they are dormant, in late winter or early spring. The poles should be between 1 and 3 inches in diameter and long enough to reach from above soil level to the water table where they will be planted. Select young, succulent growth with immature bark. The poles should be as straight as possible.
Storage and Transport
Place the stump end in a tank or body of water soon after harvest to prevent desiccation. Poles can be transported to nearby planting sites and planted immediately without being placed in water. Wrap poles in wet burlap or cover them with damp straw to transport them long distances. Do not allow the ends to be out of water more than a few hours.
Planting
To plant, drill holes with an auger to the water table, place the pole in the hole and firm the soil around it. A backhoe can be used to dig planting holes in soil where auger drilled holes would collapse. Special equipment may be needed to dig holes in soil with many stones.
What is a cottonwood tree?
The cottonwood tree is a hardwood tree that loses its leaves in the fall. There are only a few species of poplar trees that are classified as cottonwoods. The 3 main species are Populus deltoids (eastern cottonwood), Populus fremontii (Fremont’s cottonwood), and the Populus nigra (black poplar).
What is the fastest growing cottonwood tree?
Other Interesting Cottonwood Tree Facts. The fast growth rate of cottonwood trees and the strength of the timber means it has many uses. In fact, cottonwoods are one of the fastest-growing trees in North America. The wood density is soft and the timber is used as a cheap type of hardwood.
Why is cottonwood called cottonwood?
The name “cottonwood” comes from the fluffy white substance that surrounds the seeds. These develop on the tree in early summer and can create a blanket of summer “snow” when they disperse in the wind. Only the female species of cottonwood trees produce the white fluff for which the tree is known.
Why are cottonwood trees important to Native Americans?
To Native Americans, the tree was extremely important. The gently spreading shape of the tree provided shade in grasslands. Even today, cottonwoods are grown in parks and other areas for the excellent shade from their dense foliage.
How to tell if a male or female tree is a swamp poplar?
Rather than having a delta-shaped leaf, they have heart-shaped leaves. You can tell the male and female species apart because the male s have yellow catkins and the females have green colored ones.
Where can I find Fremont cottonwood trees?
This huge majestic deciduous tree is also called the Alamo cottonwood as it is found in Texas and other southern US states.
What are the leaves of Eastern Cottonwood?
Eastern cottonwood leaves are triangular (deltoid) with curved teeth along the edges. The bark is smooth and silvery-white when young and becomes hard, gray, and deeply fissured as the tree matures. Flowers on the eastern cottonwood species are reddish on male trees and yellowish-green on female trees.
Overview
Uses
- Members of the Poplar family, cottonwoods were important to Native Americans who used all parts of the tree. Their trunks were used as dugout canoes. The bark provided forage for horses and a bitter, medicinal tea for their owners. Sweet sprouts and inner bark were a food source for both humans and animals. The trees also served as trail markers and meeting places for both N…
Reproduction
- Cottonwood trees produce male and female parts on separate trees. In spring, female trees produce tiny, red blooms that are followed by masses of seeds with a cottony covering. The cotton-covered seeds create a significant litter problem. Male cottonwood trees dont produce seeds.
Cultivation
- Cottonwoods need a location with full sun and lots of moisture. They grow particularly well along lakes and rivers as well as in marshy areas. The trees prefer sandy or silty soil, but will tolerate most anything but heavy clay. They are hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 2 through 9.
Issues
- Planting cottonwood trees in home landscapes leads to problems. These messy trees have weak wood and are prone to disease. In addition, their massive size makes them out of scale for all but the largest landscapes.
Benefits
- Cottonwood trees are the fastest growing trees in North America. A young tree can add 6 feet or more in height each year. This rapid growth leads to weak wood that is easily damaged.
Description
- The trees can grow to well over 100 feet tall, with eastern species sometimes reaching 190 feet. The canopy of a mature tree spreads about 75 feet wide, and the diameter of the trunk averages about 6 feet at maturity.
Management
- If you already have a cottonwood tree in the landscape, pruning may be necessary to control its growth. The best time to prune cottonwoods is late winter while the tree is dormant. Prune for proper growth while the tree is a young sapling. Its rapid growth soon puts the branches out of reach.
Prevention
- Always use clean pruners when pruning cottonwoods. The tree is prone to disease, and dirty tools can introduce bacteria, fungal spores and insect eggs into the pruning wound. Wipe them down with a cloth saturated with alcohol or a disinfectant cleaner, or dip them in boiling water.
Preparation
- Begin by removing all the branches from the lower one-third of the tree. Using long-handled pruners, make the cuts close to the trunk, cutting at an angle that slants down and away from the tree. Leave stubs of about one-quarter inch.