I have this huge cottonwood tree that has never been trimmed. Some of the smaller branches are falling and also the middle part of the tree looks like a hole! There is no grouth in the middle. I was told that this is the result of never having trimmed it. Well.. I can't afford a professional so we are going to BE VERY CAREFUL and try doing it ourselves. Any instructions for us? Where do we start!

Hi, mariflor!

Please click on the following links. I think that you'll find some information that will be helpful to you on them.

Thanks!

Questions On Cottonwood (http://www.ext.nodak.edu/extnews/hortiscope/tree/cttnwood.htm)

Tucson Cottonwood Tree Maintenance by Tucson Tree Services (http://www.tucsontreeservices.com/cottonwood-tree-maintenance.html)

http://www.cheyennecity.org/DocumentView.asp?DID=1150

Pruning Mature Shade Trees (http://74.125.95.132/search?q=cache:iqEGglFT9uAJ:cmg.colostate.edu/gardennotes/616.pdf+Trimming+a+Cottonwood+Tree&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us)

I'll give you some general notes on trimming without looking and not in any order.

1. Don't top a tree
2. Cut all branches off at intersections
3. Tree wound dressing may be in order, especially fruit trees
4. Cut branches off in sections. Final cut is a small stub
5. Determine where you want the branch to fall
5a. Cut diagonal and then a straight cut about 1/3 through
5b. Make cut on opposite side
5c. Make the final cut
6. Remove diseased wood
7. Remove branches that touch other branches
8. Let tree get air
9. You may need a helper and rope to guide branches.
10. Watch where you put the ladder. No room for error.