Can you keep a cottonwood tree from "cottoning" or

[cottoncrazy]

We have a rather large cottonwood tree in our yard that is, unfortunately, not the cottonless type. Is there any way to treat, spray, sterilize it so that it won't "bloom", "cotton", or whatever it is called? This stuff is all over our 2 acre yard, piles up on the porch, gets into the house... Generally just drives us crazy!

[Jaxx2006]

I have the same problem. I have four cottonwood trees in my back yard and only one of them is of the female variety. I cannot stand the cotton that blows around this time of year. My yard looks like Christmas all spring! If anyone has any ideas of how to sterilize that tree (other than "cutting it down") I'd appreciate it.

The tree also seems to be rotting from the inside, or from a previous limb that was removed at one point or another. I'm afraid I may have to cut it down if it's going to rot since it's right at the trunk of the tree. The seepage has the smell like cow manure and I'm not sure what's causing it. Any ideas on this?

[Newt]

Hi Jaxx,

Sorry to say that your cottonwood probably has wetwood or slimeflux.
https://www.treehelp.com/trees/trees-diseases-wetwood.asp

You would need a certified arborist to treat it. Get references for this same problem and check them so you know if that person has been successful.

Newt

[Newt]

Hi Cottoncrazy,

This might work for you.
https://www.treetech.net/snipper.htm

https://www.southernag.com/PDF%20Files/florel.pdf

FRUIT ELIMINATION ( Ornamental Use Only)
A foliar spray of FLOREL brand Ethephon will reduce or eliminate undesirable fruit on ornamental trees and shrubs such as: Apple, Crabapple, Carob, Cottonwood, Elm, Flowering pear, Horsechestnut (Buckeye), Maple, Oak, Olive, Pine, Sour Orange, Sweetgum, and Sycamore. Applications must be made before fruit set for best results.

Newt