Question
Hello Im wondering if female cottonwoods always drop they re seeds, I have
several of them right behind my house and they make a mess in my yard and pool...
I dont remember them being so messy 5 years ago will they continue being
messy forever..and how long will they shed the cotton.. Thankyou for any help you could give me. thanks Tom


Answer
In the South they drop the seed from about May-July In the North from about June through July. The amount of seed will depend on the weather during the time the tree is flowering and the size of the tree. The less flowers the less seed fluff. There is a chemical that can be sprayed on cottonwood to prevent flowering and the seed.

There is a substance that when sprayed on the tree just prior to flowering will stop the seed from forming. Florel will reduce seed production (cotton). You will likely have to hire a professional arborist to do the job, but it may be worth it to keep from being buried in cotton every spring. Regional timing is important, hence the recommendation for the arborist, plus they have the necessary equipment to adequately cover the trees. Here is a web link to information on Florel

http://www.montereylawngarden.com/info/florel/