Weeping willow trees are undeniable beauties, but they need ample space to grow.
The weeping willow (Salix babylonica) is a polarizing plant.
Narrow light green leaves grow on long branches that arch and sweep the ground.
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Weeping willowsgrow very fast, often more than 2 feet per year.
To plant a weeping willow anywhere closer is to court disaster.
Weeping willows are short-lived trees, lasting 30 years or as many as 50 with proper care and luck.
The tree can tolerate some light shade.
These trees prefer acidic soil, but they can handle neutral and slightly alkaline soils too.
They have moderate salt tolerance and can beplanted in coastal areas.
Water
Plant this thirsty tree near a water source to keep it healthy.
Occasional flooding will not harm a weeping willow, but frequent standing water can affect its health.
Give the roots space to grow three times as wide as the tree’s canopy when it matures.
Temperature And Humidity
Weeping willows do well in a humid climate.
As one of the first trees to leaf out in spring,S.
babylonicais not especially winter hardy, but it can be grown in Zone 6 in the Upper South.
Some report success with growing this tree in Zone 9A in the Coastal South.
Plant your tree in the fall so the roots can get established before the heat of summer.
Feed your tree once a year in spring just before new growth appears.
Use a slow-release fertilizer to reduce the likelihood of runoff contaminating your pond or lake.
Find a fertilizer formulated for trees and apply following the package instructions.
Pruning
Weeping willows are messy and weak-wooded trees that are susceptible to breakage.
Train the tree when it is young so it can develop a strong structure.
Tie the central leader of the tree to a stake to help it develop an upright trunk.
Remove crossing branches, choosing smaller branches and branches with a narrow V-shaped crotch first.
Keep stronger, horizontal branches intact as much as possible.
Make certain that the crown is balanced on each side and remove additional growth on one side if needed.
Broken, dead, or diseased branches with cankers should always be removed.
Also, remove any suckers that sprout up from the ground.
Propagating Weeping Willows
Willow trees are male or female, and only the female catkins develop seeds.
Don’t worry, you won’t need them to propagate this plant.
Weeping willows are famously easy topropagate from cuttings.
The tree also attracts grazers like rabbits, beavers, andhungry deer.
On the other hand, willows are an important larval host plant for butterflies and support many specialized bees.
In general, infected plants should be removed so the disease doesn’t spread to other trees.
Don’t plant another willow in the same area for at least two years.
Prune out infected branches.
Black canker causes dark lesions on leaves and sunken black spots where leaf twigs join stems.
Prune out infected branches.
Talk with a professional about whether fungicide treatments could help.
If the trunk becomes infected, the tree may die.
Leaf Spots
Various fungi cause spots on willow leaves, but infections usually don’t become serious.
Rake up and dispose of fallen leaves to reduce spreading.
Leaves Turning Yellow
This is a sign that the tree is over- or under-watered.
Check the soil to determine whether the tree is getting anadequate water supply.
Yellowing leaves can also indicate poor drainage or nutrient deficiencies.
If the soil around the tree’s roots is soggy, it can lead to leaves yellowing.
Improve drainage around the tree.
Water more regularly during hot weather.
Additionally, weeping willows are messy.
Like other trees, they drop flowers, leaves, branches, and twigs.
The weeping willow is one of 350 species of willow (Salix) trees.
The large trees grow quickly and thrive near wetlands and naturalized areas.
These branches can be trimmed to allow for movement under the canopy.
