After planting, cuttings were trimmed to a height of about 6 to 12 inches above grade. Plus, watering the soil will help pack it down a little; cotton also prefers a firm sowing bed. Well suited along streams, riverbanks, swamps and in lowland, rain gardens and rural areas. Cotton seeds like moist soil when they are first planted. Eastern Cottonwood Populus deltoides If you want to achieve quick shade in a large open space, Eastern Cottonwood is a fine choice. Cottonwood and Willow Pole Planting Suggested Methodologies for Cottonwood Pole, Willow Whip, and Longstem Plantings This guide describes techniques for harvesting, storing, and planting various types of plant materials, including dormant cottonwood pole cuttings, willow … CULTURE: Cottonwood is easy to grow in almost any soil. This giant may grow 24+" annually, once established. PROBLEMS: Cottonwood is short lived, has a destructive root system and the cottony seed from the female plant is a nuisance and damaging to electrical appliances. Water the area thoroughly to make sure the soil is damp. Soak the ground with a sprinkler or hose for at least 15 minutes before planting. Dampen the soil before planting. Plant with the top bud just above ground level and make sure the soil doesn't dry out. It isn't necessary but will give faster rooting. A 4 strand wire fence was built around the whole planting to try to limit damage from kids on their bicycles who had established a path through the planting site. Stressed trees are commonly attacked by borers. Planting sites were mulched with shredded bark mulch. The root system is susceptible to cotton root rot and other root diseases. You could go for a misting system and/or use an air pump to aerate the water while the cuttings are soaking. A little ; cotton also prefers a firm sowing bed to a height of about 6 12... 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