Should i plant a willow tree

When dealing with willows, trees prefer soil that is slightly acidic and moist. If the soil in your area is too alkaline, you can add some organic matter. This will help lower the pH. Water the tree weekly during the first year after planting. Once established, a willow plant can tolerate some dryness, although they may drop leaves.

They grow best with regular moisture. If your tree is planted in an irrigated lawn, it should get plenty of water. This is why they are often planted near streams, lakes, or ponds. They like standing water and the far-reaching root systems are useful in clearing up a puddle. If there is a section of your garden that is prone to floods, willows can help clear this up. These trees need a yard or wide swath of lawn to stretch into because they can reach 50 feet in height and width.

The roots can stretch wider than the tree. They are drawn towards the nearest abundant source of water. The roots are also attracted to nutrients around a septic system in the soil. They grow well near water but have some drought tolerance.

They can handle the cold winter and also tolerate the heat in summer. As long as you water them often. Weeping willows are afflicted by pests, including the gypsy moth, aphids, and borers. These insects are difficult to control, especially on large trees.

You should place a collar around young trees. Willow plants can also tempt rabbits, deer, and elk. These diseases can cause branch or twig dieback, defoliation, and in some cases tree death. Rake up and remove leaf litter promptly. This will help control the spread of diseases in your garden. Weeping willows have invasive, shallow roots.

They can stretch up to three times the length from the trunk to the canopy of the tree. These roots often lie near the surface and can cause bumps in the lawn. They can even crack cement sidewalks and patios. The roots can also damage underground sewer and plumbing lines. Prune the tree annually to remove dead or damaged wood. Also, remove suckers and branches that grow vertically.

The long whip-like branches break easily in the wind and can create a lot of leaf litter. They are a great addition to the scenery in any landscape. You only need to be cautious of where you plant them. Because the configuration of willow branches make them easy to climb, children love to do so. The fantasy-like, enclosed space off the ground is a fun place to play. Although the Salix babylonica is the most popular in landscapes, there are some related species worth your attention. The Wisconsin weeping willow Salix babylonica x Salix pentachdra is a good tree for wet sites and open areas.

It can grow to be 30 to 40 feet tall and wide. This variation has even longer branches. Both of these types can be grown in zones 4 through 9. What about a willow with brazen, golden twigs? It can grow to a height of 50 to 70 feet tall and wide. However, picking up branches is a small price to pay when you consider the aesthetic benefits of a weeping willow.

You'll want to keep an eye out for gypsy moths and a disease called black canker. If you spot symptoms early, you'll be able to prevent infection from causing extensive damage.

Whenever planting a new tree, it's a good idea to understand the range of good and bad outcomes that are possible before you begin.

Keep these characteristics in mind when deciding whether a weeping willow is the best option for your backyard. Davidsonville They Have an Invasive Root System Weeping willows love water, and their roots will grow more quickly when moisture is nearby. Weeping Willows Prefer the Sun This isn't necessarily a disadvantage, but it's an important characteristic to know. No account yet?

Create an account. Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article parts. Tips and Warnings. Related Articles. Article Summary. Part 1. Select an area with good drainage.

While weeping willows can help wet spots in your yard, planting in standing water is not advised. Willows need dry soil from time to time, so planting in an area with good drainage and that has loose soil will allow air and water to get through. Dig a hole that is 1 ft 0. Fill the hole with water and then let it drain completely.

Measure again after 15 minutes to see how much water has drained, and then multiple that amount by 4 to see how much water would drain in 1 hour. If the hole drains at a rate of 1 in 2. Make sure the area will get at least partial sun.

Weeping willows need at least partial sun, which means at least 2 to 4 hours of sun per day. They can also grow in up to full sun, meaning 6 to 8 hours of sun per day. Plant away from sewers or power lines. Weeping willow roots can extend up to 30 ft 9. The roots can get into some sewers and interrupt lines, so you should plant your willow at least 50 ft 15 m away from any underground utilities, like sewers or underground power lines.

Keep in mind that your neighbors might have underground utilities on their property. Choose an area next to fresh water if possible. Willows like lots of water. If you plant one near a body of fresh water, like a pond or lake, the tree can get a lot of its own water. You should plant the tree so that the roots will be able to extend fully before reaching the water. Part 2. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.

The hole only needs to be as deep as the root ball, but it needs to be wide to encourage root growth.