Cottonwood Pole Planting Guide
Cottonwood trees (Populus spp.) are native along many streams and rivers in the Western United States. They are relatively short-lived trees whose seeds sprout when they are submerged in water. Traditionally periodic flooding replaced old trees with seedlings on a continuous basis. Food control projects have disrupted this cycle allowing non-native species to invade and take over the riverbanks to the detriment of native species and wildlife. Planting cottonwood poles in appropriate sites can restore the natural ecosystem.
Harvesting the Poles
Poles are cut when they are dormant, in late winter or early spring. The poles should be between 1 and 3 inches in diameter and long enough to reach from above soil level to the water table where they will be planted. Select young, succulent growth with immature bark. The poles should be as straight as possible. Remove side branches except for a few at the top. Cutting poles from a pole field established from seedlings will assure a mix of male and female trees.
Storage and Transport
Place the stump end in a tank or body of water soon after harvest to prevent desiccation. Poles can be transported to nearby planting sites and planted immediately without being placed in water. Wrap poles in wet burlap or cover them with damp straw to transport them long distances. Do not allow the ends to be out of water more than a few hours. Poles stored in water for long periods of time may begin to grow roots. These poles can be planted if the roots are kept in water until planting.
Clear the site of invasive tree species before planting. Herbaceous weed competition is not a problem. Monitor the ground water to determine seasonal fluctuations. The bottom of the poles must reach the water table throughout the growing season. The water table must be 4 or more feet from the surface for cottonwoods to be successful. Pole plantings in cold soil at high elevations may not be successful because roots will not sprout until the soil warms in midsummer and the poles may begin to rot first.
To plant, drill holes with an auger to the water table, place the pole in the hole and firm the soil around it. A backhoe can be used to dig planting holes in soil where auger drilled holes would collapse. Special equipment may be needed to dig holes in soil with many stones. Do not drive or push the poles into the soil as this destroys the cambium layer and roots will not grow. The poles must be planted before bud break for the planting to be successful.
- USDA: Guidelines for Planting Dormant Pole Cuttings for Riparian Areas of the Southwest
Lynn Doxon has a Ph.D. in horticulture, is a retired cooperative extension specialist and teaches courses in urban farming. She is the author of three books: "The Alcohol Fuel Handbook," "High Desert Yards and Gardens" and "Rainbows from Heaven." Doxon wrote the Yard and Garden column for the "Albuquerque Journal" and numerous magazine and newspaper articles and cooperative extension service guides.