Cottonwoods
Originally uploaded by Avelino Maestas
Cottonwoods are beautiful and stately trees, but they have no place in an organic garden or yard. Here’s why: cottonwoods are very aggressive in terms of water and resource acquisition, and can wreak havoc if planted as ornamentals. They grow fast, they’re as hardy as many weeds, and they can easily out-compete most other plants for water, space, and sunlight. It’s not unusual to see cottonwoods with little or no vegetation growing beneath them, because their large leaves provide very effective shade. Their questing roots grow quickly, often clogging water and sewage pipes and undermining house foundations. Add to that their yearly masses of blowing “cotton,” and you’ve got a tree that’s more trouble than it’s worth.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Agreed – a Cottonwood tree can be a menace and a resource hog when planted without consideration for its needs, but I would like to add:
There are “cottonless” varieties available these days that don’t produce all that fluff that litters entire neighborhoods and clogs air conditioning units and vents.
Cottonwoods do make great trees for low, naturally water-retentive spots in a large landscape where there is ample space for the tree to grow without bothering buried cables or pipes, or building foundations.
They do provide a lot of shade, as well as a good windbreak on wide open spaces, and ample shelter for birds and small animals. They produce lots of “food” for the compost and/or leaf-mould pile in the Fall when they shed their leaves.
I personally wouldn’t say “don’t plant a cottonwood”; I would advise instead that people need to think seriously about the requirements and behavior of this or any tree, and the balance of the mini-ecosystem in thier own yards and gardens, before planting.
Good points!
Thanks for the comment.