 Re: Cottonwood tree.
At the risk of sounding like a smart-a$$ tree hugger, I have to defend the most popular tree in central Saskatchewan, the Populus spp.
These giants grow well in the cold hardiness zone 2b, in which I reside. They can become hazardous if left to grow without crown thinning, and some of the cultivars and clones are short lived. That being said, they are a dioecious,tree. That is there are male and female trees, and the only ones that cast fluff are the females. If you don't like fluff, have your new saplings sexed, end of problem.
There are 12 species that grow here, All have different growth habits, and can be used to provide a number of differant functions. Shade and wind abatement are the two main purposes for growing the things. There has been extensive study gone into the "Walker Poplar". It is a female clone (sterile) and grows an average of 3'/yr. It has been found to make some of the best veneer and plywood money can buy.
Every time we remove one of these majestic giants, I wonder how much more money the client will have to spend on heating and cooling their home. |