A number of cottonwood trees that existed behind the Kosciusko County Work Release Center were cut down this week due to costly problems from cottony covered seeds.

A number of trees behind the Kosciusko County Work Release facility have been cut down this week, but a county official says it’s a move that will save money.

Commissioner Bob Conley told StaceyPageOnline.com that a number of cottonwood trees were removed because of costly problems from the cottony covered seed. “They were causing blockages in the downspouts,” Conley said.

The cottonwood tree seeds open in late May and, through June, are scattered by winds.

Not only was the county paying hundreds of dollars to clear the blockages, it was recently discovered that water damage inside the building also resulted from the cottonwood trees. “Because of the blockage, moisture was getting inside the walls,” Conley explained. “The water went in behind the brick and caused problems, including mold which was causing health problems.”

Realizing about a $17,000 expense to repair the water damages, and because of the continued problems with the seed capsules getting into the downspouts, the county opted to have the trees cut down. Conley added, “The motel (Days Inn) behind Work Release said they were having similar problems so it was agreed to get rid of them.”

The cottonwood seed capsules open in late May through June and are distributed by the wind. The county opted to remove the trees ahead of the problem.

“We are looking at possibly replacing the trees,” he added, noting that the benefit of the trees was providing shade to the building in the late afternoon. “Shade obviously will help with the utility bills so we’re looking at that now.”