Old School Cottonwood 5' #1.5
$30.00
Sale price
$30.00
Regular price
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Old School Cottonwood 5' #1.5
$30.00
Sale price
$30.00
Regular price
Old-school or mature, large cottonwood trees (Populus deltoides and related species) typically reach massive proportions:
- Height: 70 to 110 feet (21 to 34 meters) tall
- Trunk Circumference / Girth: 18 to over 30 feet (5.5 to 9+ meters) around the base
- Trunk Diameter: 4 to 6+ feet (1.2 to 1.8+ meters) wide
- Canopy / Crown Spread: 60 to 120 feet (18 to 36 meters) wide
- Lifespan: Most cottonwoods are fast-growing and short-lived, often peaking or beginning to decline around 80 to 100 years, though exceptional specimens can survive for 150 to 300 years under ideal conditions.
- Hardiness Range: Zones 2 to 9 (tolerating winter temperatures down to -50°F depending on the specific strain or local conditions).
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- Sunlight: Full sun is required, needing at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
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Space: Plant far away from foundations, septic systems, sidewalks, and power lines, as roots seek moisture aggressively and limbs are brittle.
Watering & Soil- Young Trees (First 1–3 Years): Keep the soil consistently moist by watering weekly or deeply during dry spells. Ensure the root system goes straight down and avoids "J-rooting" at the bottom of the planting hole.
- Established Trees: Naturally thrive in moist floodplains or near riverbanks, though they tolerate moderate drought once established. Deep watering (24–36 inches) supports their massive height.
- Mulching: Apply a 3- to 4-inch layer of organic wood-chip or straw mulch under the canopy, keeping it several inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
Pruning & Maintenance- Timing: Prune strictly in full dormancy (late autumn or winter).
- Scope: Keep pruning minimal—focus on removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
- Topping Warning: Never top a cottonwood to control its size. Topping triggers weak, fast-growing sucker growth that is prone to breaking, rot, and insect invasion.
- Professional Help: Hire an ISA Certified Arborist for periodic structural assessments.