Question
Hi, I have a question regarding cottonwood trees. I had a few of them growing behind my fence. I live in a co-op and recently all the cotton wood trees were cut. I was told that cottonwood trees are dangerous because they have shallow roots and are prone to falls. I wonder if it is true that they are as dangerous and unstable as I was told.

Answer
Jolanta,

Without seeing the growing situation I can not make a judgement as to whether these trees were or were not a hazard.  I have to assume the reason they were removed was legitimate.

Cottonwood is a common name for several trees in the Populus genus Poplar group.  The Eastern Cottonwood is a large stately tree while others are more of a weedy tree.  I am not sure if they are or are not prone to falls, but generally it does not have that much to do with the root system being shallow.  Most trees have root systems that only 12" to 14" deep and spread out beyond the canopy.

Anways,  Good luck

Gary