Extension Column

Cottonwoods are fast growing trees in Populus genus. These trees are hardy to zones two through nine. 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 eliminato...