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How are herbicides used to control cottonwood trees?

By James Holden

How are herbicides used to control cottonwood trees?

Due to a lack of information on the effectiveness of herbicides for cottonwood control, a study was conducted in 2016 and 2017 to test eight herbicides: Cimmaron Max® (metsulfuron methyl + dicamba + 2,4-D amine [4 pts/acre]), Stinger® (clopyralid [1 pt/acre]). Trees were sprayed at full foliage (early June). Tree size ranged from 1 to 5 feet.

When do cottonwood trees lose their Fluff leaves?

What Is Cottonwood Fluff? The floating cottonwood fluff is a signature of the cottonwood tree. The parachute-like white fluff from trees is just fruit capsules with seeds of the cottonwood tree. Cottonwood trees normally shed their leaves in fall when the temperature drops below 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

When is the best time to treat cottonwood trees?

These herbicides are growth inhibiting, and they will prevent the seeds from forming. Getting a head start on treating your cottonwood tree with a growth hormone early in the spring is best. If you’ve noticed a young cottonwood tree on your property without seeds, it may take years for it to mature.

How tall does a cottonwood tree have to be to get rid of the blossoms?

This can be done by spraying the cottonwood tree with an annual application of growth-inhibiting, ethephon-based herbicide, which prevents the cottonwood blossoms from forming seeds. However, mature cottonwood trees can grow more than 75 feet tall; applying herbicides to large trees should be left to the professionals.

Due to a lack of information on the effectiveness of herbicides for cottonwood control, a study was conducted in 2016 and 2017 to test eight herbicides: Cimmaron Max® (metsulfuron methyl + dicamba + 2,4-D amine [4 pts/acre]), Stinger® (clopyralid [1 pt/acre]). Trees were sprayed at full foliage (early June). Tree size ranged from 1 to 5 feet.

Why are cottonwood trees good for the environment?

Near rivers, streams and lakes it provides many benefits such as stabilizing river banks and providing wildlife habitat; however, cottonwood also can be considered an invasive species (i.e., weed), as it is characterized by vigorous colonization of areas.

Is the cottonwood tree an invasive species in the Midwest?

Cottonwood ( Populus tremula) is a common tree species across the Midwest. Near rivers, streams and lakes it provides many benefits such as stabilizing river banks and providing wildlife habitat; however, cottonwood also can be considered an invasive species (i.e., weed), as it is characterized by vigorous colonization of areas.

How can I recover the value of a lost tree?

A final dollar figure for actual loss might include: The cost of replacing the tree. This would also include the cost of removing debris and cleanup. Diminished property value. If replacing the tree is impossible, then you can recover for the decrease in your property value due to the lost tree.