How To Plant A Weeping Willow

Spring and Fall are ideal times to plant. However, if you avoid extreme temperatures you can plant your Willow almost any time of the year.

How To Prune This Shade Tree

Weeping Willows don't generally require pruning, but, if needed, prune when they are dormant in winter or early spring to remove any dead, dying, or crowded branches, or to maintain shape.

How Fast Does This Willow Grow?

This tree is known to be a fast grower pushing 3 to 4 feet in growth per year to a mature height of 30-50 feet.

When planting your Weeping Willow tree be sure you have the right location and conditions for your new tree to thrive. Spring and Fall are ideal times to plant. However, if you avoid extreme temperatures you can plant your Willow tree almost any time of the year.

Weeping Willows thrive in full sun to part shade and are adaptable to almost any soil as long as it isn't dry. Water deeply 2-3 times weekly for the first 3 months after planting. This helps the tree's roots establish properly. You want to continue to keep the ground moist, especially for the first 2 years. Try using a Treegator and/or adding 2-3 inches of mulch to your young tree to reduce hand watering needs. Examine the leaves regularly to address any signs of over watering or under watering. Falling of leaves can be a sign of under watering. Weeping Willows are great for areas with standing water. Water your mature tree in dry periods. Otherwise, the water requirements are greatly reduced once your tree has been in the ground about 2 years. If your tree needs a boost, fertilize in early spring with a basic slow release fertilizer. Weeping Willows don't generally require pruning, but, if needed, prune when they are dormant in winter or early spring to remove any dead, dying, or crowded branches, or to maintain shape. The Weeping Willow is deer tolerant.

The best way to prevent disease and pests is by providing the appropriate care for your plants. Proper location choice, watering, and fertilization are the keys to your success. Weeping Willows rarely have issues with pests or disease. Occasionally, Scale and Aphids can affect Willows. You can treat these pests naturally with horticultural oil, neem oil, or insecticidal soap. For severe infections you can use pesticides like carbaryl, also known as Sevin. Fungal issues can arise on occasion. Generally, treating after infection isn't extremely effective, so if you have problems yearly treat in early spring with fungicides to prevent infection.

One of the great characteristics of a Willow Tree is its ability to soak up excess water. Have a problem area in your landscape where standing water is being a nuisance? The Weeping Willow will absorb all that extra water and provide shade in the process. These trees are great to plant beside ponds and lakes because of their love for excess water. Even though these trees are normally found near bodies of water, they will thrive in almost any condition and display some tolerance to drought.

Weeping Willow trees are very adaptable to different types of soils and growing conditions and can even help minimize soil erosion. The Weeping Willow tree is sure to enchant your landscape with its beautiful and sweeping branches.