Overwatering Kills Young Cottonless Cottonwood

Drowning, Not Drought

Your 18-month-old cottonless cottonwood in Arizona's high desert is shedding leaves in May because you're overwatering it. "Almost drowning" the tree causes the same symptoms as drought: leaf drop, drooping.

Correct Watering

• Amount: 1 inch per week (use pan under sprinkler)
• Frequency: Deep, infrequent beats shallow, frequent
• Mulch: 3 inches organic mulch, not touching trunk

Stop Fertilizing

Miracle-Gro forces top growth the limited roots can't support. No fertilizer for 1 year. Only fertilize if foliage turns yellow/light green—then use 10-10-10 at 1 lb/inch trunk diameter in winter.

Recovery

Reduce water immediately. The tree will regrow leaves once roots recover oxygen access. Cottonwoods are tough—this is fixable.