Two Cottonwoods: One Dead (Cankers), One Worth Saving

Casper, WY: first cottonwood has numerous stem cankers, sparse foliage—dead. Second tree (black, compound leaves) still has foliage—save it?

Tree 1: Dead

• Cankers too advanced. Cutting dead only prolongs briefly.
• Remove.

Tree 2: Save

• Prune dead back to live wood.
• Fertilize: 10-10-10 at 1 lb/inch trunk diameter, scattered, watered in (before rain).
• Water deeply weekly.
• Expect better foliage next spring.

Bottom Line

First tree gone. Second tree: prune dead, fertilize, water. Worth the effort.