If you have a large enough property to accommodate the weeping willow and want it to be a permanent landscape feature, however, consider that it is relatively short-lived. The weeping willow grows very fast—up to 10 feet per year, until it reaches a height of up to 50 feet. Because of this rapid growth rate, the tree has a relatively short lifespan: 20 to 30 years, according to the University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service.
To ensure that your willow lives as long as possible, give it a favorable location and meet basic care and maintenance requirements.
Native to China, the weeping willow is suited to USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9, although it can tolerate zone 10 if given sufficient water. Some hybrids are suited to zones 2 and 3. It requires full sun and plentiful water. The best sites are on the bank of a creek, lake or pond. Give it plenty of space and do not plant it near underground water or sewer pipes or tanks: its roots will stretch to great lengths in search of water.
The weeping willow adapts to most soil types, in pH ranges from 4. But make sure the soil is well-drained. Plant your weeping willow at least six weeks before the first frost.
According to E. Gilman and D. Watson of the University of Florida, the tree requires initial pruning and training to develop structural strength. Development of "a strong, central trunk with branch crotches as wide as possible" counters the tree's chronic problem of brittle wood.
Fertilize moderately to promote good growth. A strong, vigorous tree is less susceptible to fungal and bacterial diseases, but avoid over-fertilization. Remove branches that grow up instead of out. Remove crowded branches. What is wrong with my willow tree? Common willow diseases include root rot, which can infect the tree's root system and cause overall health decline, and willow scab, a fungus which kills new growth and causes cankers on the tree.
Fungal infections can usually be battled by pruning and destroying diseased branches. Do weeping willows attract bugs? Weeping willow trees are a host to an array of insects, including scale, caterpillars, borers and aphids.
The weeping willow canopy does not attract bird wildlife, leaving these bugs to breed and multiply. Should you trim weeping willow trees? As with all trees, weeping willows need to be pruned and trimmed regularly. Major pruning is best when trees are dormant, but because these weeping willows are fast growing, they tend to drop many twigs and branches, and often need additional maintenance during spring and summer.
Do weeping willows lose their leaves in winter? In winter and early spring, a leafless weeping willow should not arouse alarm. Willows are deciduous and lose their leaves every year in late fall or early winter.
Where do willow trees grow best? The weeping willow grows well in acidic, alkaline, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, well-drained and clay soils. It grows well near water but has some drought tolerance. Where should I plant a weeping willow tree? Weeping willow trees prefer to be planted in rich, moist soil but do tolerate a wide variety of soil types, from sandy loam to clay, acidic or alkaline, as long as the soil doesn't drain too quickly. They are drought tolerant but need regular watering in dry conditions or they will lose some leaves.
Weeping willows are susceptible to willow scab, willow blight, black canker, fungi, powdery mildew, root rot, and more. Pest issues include aphids, gypsy moths, and borers. Targeted spraying can help alleviate this issue. Weeping willow trees do best when planted in areas that receive full sun to partial shade, in slightly acidic, moist soil.
They should only be planted in Hardiness Zones Weeping willows can have lots of pest and disease issues, and they can invade underground pipes and powerlines. To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews thisoldhousereviews.
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