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To plant or not to plant?
The Mighty Cottonwood!
By Chris Leinster - July 13, 2025
Cottonwood are on the very short list of Shade trees native to the Front Range and Colorado’s Eastern Plains. Always found growing in lowland areas along stream banks and river beds, or in dry arroyos where they receive seasonal water. They are close cousins of Aspen in the Poplar family of trees, and share many of the same characteristics, such as fast growth and adaptability. Cottonwood grow much larger though, soaring up to 100’ and just as wide! I’ve seen ancient Cottonwood with massive trunks at least 10 in diameter.
So should you plant one? Probably not. Cottonwood shed cotton. Lots of cotton, hence the name. The cotton carries seeds adrift on the wind where they can colonize anywhere they find water. Or the cotton covers your patio furniture and clogs your air conditioner. For that reason alone, many homeowners avoid them. There are, however, cotton-less varieties available, so perhaps a better choice if you need Cottonwood. There are other problems to consider as well.
Cottonwood are shallow rooted, meaning they will spread surface level roots across your lawn in search of water. These roots often break the surface, creating ankle biter obstacles sure to ruin your frisbee game. Roots can spread as wide as the tree canopy, taking over the yards of most suburban properties. Cottonwood are also twiggy, and constantly shed their branches throughout the Summer. You’ll be picking up sticks and twigs after every gusty storm.
If you have a rural property in the Foothills or Eastern Plains, or are planting in a meadow or prairie, or perhaps in a neighborhood common area, Cottonwood may be an acceptable choice. They are quite drought hardy once established. They grow incredibly quickly and provide broad shade. They provide a sanctuary for wildlife. They are salad to deer and elk though, so consider deer fencing or deterrents if planting in habitat. They are quite picturesque as well. Walk into any art gallery and you’ll likely see pictures or paintings of massive Cottonwood trees lording over abandoned farms.
While Cottonwood are probably not likely candidates for most suburban landscapes and lawns, Native trees should always be considered where space and aesthetics allow. They are an excellent choices for mountain communities and can be found growing up to 9,500’. We don’t feature Cottonwood on our website, so please call for availability and pricing.
So should you plant one? Probably not. Cottonwood shed cotton. Lots of cotton, hence the name. The cotton carries seeds adrift on the wind where they can colonize anywhere they find water. Or the cotton covers your patio furniture and clogs your air conditioner. For that reason alone, many homeowners avoid them. There are, however, cotton-less varieties available, so perhaps a better choice if you need Cottonwood. There are other problems to consider as well.
Cottonwood are shallow rooted, meaning they will spread surface level roots across your lawn in search of water. These roots often break the surface, creating ankle biter obstacles sure to ruin your frisbee game. Roots can spread as wide as the tree canopy, taking over the yards of most suburban properties. Cottonwood are also twiggy, and constantly shed their branches throughout the Summer. You’ll be picking up sticks and twigs after every gusty storm.
If you have a rural property in the Foothills or Eastern Plains, or are planting in a meadow or prairie, or perhaps in a neighborhood common area, Cottonwood may be an acceptable choice. They are quite drought hardy once established. They grow incredibly quickly and provide broad shade. They provide a sanctuary for wildlife. They are salad to deer and elk though, so consider deer fencing or deterrents if planting in habitat. They are quite picturesque as well. Walk into any art gallery and you’ll likely see pictures or paintings of massive Cottonwood trees lording over abandoned farms.
While Cottonwood are probably not likely candidates for most suburban landscapes and lawns, Native trees should always be considered where space and aesthetics allow. They are an excellent choices for mountain communities and can be found growing up to 9,500’. We don’t feature Cottonwood on our website, so please call for availability and pricing.