• Planting cottonwood trees can turn an open prairie into a woodsy area.Fall colors of the cottonwoods image by Jeffrey Banke from Fotolia.com
  
  Wyoming claims the cottonwood tree as its official state tree. Cottonwoods grow well there, and in many states throughout the country. However, cottonwoods may not be the ideal tree for you if you don't enjoy raking. These trees drop leaves from the beginning of the summer and through the fall season. Also, cottonwoods grow up to 100 feet high, so moving a cottonwood can be expensive, unless mother nature steps in to assist. Not only are cottonwoods notorious for their inability to endure storms, the tree can be a problem for wheelchair use, as its roots swiftly uplift nearby sidewalks. (See Reference 1, Pg. 3)
  
  

Assess Area Before Planting

• This shade tree a risky candidate for any residential settings. It has infamously weak wood and shallow roots. If you live in an area where high winds travel, planting a cottonwood too close to your home may prove to be a big mistake. Also, the shallow roots of this tree may damage a nearby concrete playground or driveway. Considering the cottonwood's weaknesses will keep you from planting your cottonwood cutting in a place that you might later regret. Any damage this tree may do to neighboring property remains the property owner's responsibility.
  
  

Avoid Closely Grouping Cottonwoods

• Cottonwood trees don't grow well in the shade of other trees. While this species can convert a grass prairie area into a woodland with enough water, it won't thrive in close groupings of the same tree species. So plant your cottonwood tree among a hearty mixture of other types of trees. If you notice that your cottonwood begins growing in the shade of a larger tree, replant the cottonwood in a sunnier spot.
  
  

Plant Cutting in August

• Horticulturist Ron Smith of North Dakota State University Extension Services recommends planting seedless cottonwood cuttings in August. Smith also says you should dip the cuttings of this shade tree in rooting hormone before they go into the ground. For best results, plant the cottonwood cuttings in a peat and sand mixture.