Cottonwood seeds

Cottonwoods are fast-growing trees in the Populus genus. These trees are hardy to zones 2 through 9. Cottonwood trees produce cotton every other year. They preserve their resources. There is a cottonwood fluff produced around the seed which are cotton fibers. These seeds will cover the lawn or driveway and other parts of the landscape. This can go on for two weeks or more, starting late April or early May through either June or July.

Is there a way to control the cottonwood seeds? You can reduce the cottonwood seeds with an annual treatment called an ethephon-based herbicide, a fruit eliminator according to the Extension service. These herbicides are growth inhibiting. Thus, they prevent the seeds from forming. This herbicide must be applied with care. There should be a thick coating of liquid herbicide but not an excess to cause the herbicide to drip on the ground and other plants. 

Here are a few tips for applying the ethephon-based herbicide:

— Once the herbicide is mixed, apply within four hours.

— Do not save any unused herbicide.

— Do not apply fertilizer two weeks before or after treatment.

— Hire professionals to remove the tree if you cannot afford the cost of this maintenance.

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