How to Plant a Weeping Willow: [Complete Guide + Images]

The weeping willow, Salix Babylonica,Originally from China, as its name indicates, it is considered the tree of melancholy because of its very shape, since it is a plant whose branches are shaped like flexible and pendulous tears that reach the ground.

It is a beautiful deciduous specimen that can measure up to 15 meters in length and from whose olive green leaves infusions can be made to cure rheumatism, neuralgia, headaches, dysmenorrhea, colds, flu and biliary disorders.

It is said thatgreek physician hippocrateswrote about the healing properties of this plant, in the 5th century.

It is associated with melancholy, water, the sun and the gift of fertility; a tea of ​​its leaves can be of great help to achieve tranquility at the time of rest.

Important points when planting a weeping willow:

• When? The ideal season to plant the weeping willow is spring.
• Where? In large areas where there is abundant sun.
• How big can you get? More than 15 meters.
• Demanding care? Young weeping willows should be pruned once a week to strengthen the trunk.
• How to prepare the land? Dig a hole twice as big as the root ball and use potting soil.
• How do we water? As it is a moisture-loving tree, it should be watered frequently.
• Plagues and diseases? Caterpillars, aphids and aphids, in addition to other insects that parasitize it.
• How long does it take to grow? The willow is not one of the fastest growing trees, so it can take between 10 and 15 years to provide good shade.

When to plant a weeping willow?

The best time to plant the weeping willow is spring, but in Spain trees with roots are usually transplanted in January or February, because that is when the sap is stopped and that way they do not suffer.

Where to plant a weeping willow?

Weeping willow looks good along bodies of water; forming a landscape of immeasurable beauty where the branches touching the water can be distinguished.

As it is a tree that can measure fifteen meters high and from 10 to 20 meters in diameter, the willow must be planted in large areas, its ideal location being that where it receives the greatest amount of sun possible.

In these wide spaces you will need to find a place away from any object susceptible to movement, as its roots are aggressive and can reach up to twenty meters long.

It is not advisable to plant them in residential areas,despite its beauty, due to the fragility of its branches that break easily, in addition to the fact that its roots can damage pipes or other urban structures.

The weeping willow is used to protect agricultural crops from winds, so the arrangement of several trees in a row for this purpose is known as a » windbreak «.

However, if you want to plant it in your garden you must choose a suitable planting area with good drainage and plenty of sun.

Willows are very easy to plant; you need to dig a wide hole and make sure to surround the root ball with plenty of soil.

You should also make sure to water it fairly often, and fertilize it every so often.

How do we prepare the land?

The first thing you should do is dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball, that is, the soil attached to the roots of the plant, because that way you will stimulate the growth of the roots.

In this process you must use regular potting soil and put the soil in the hole until the middle of the root ball.

Willows are very prone to land near water, but can also grow very well in dry soil.

How do we water the weeping willow?

The weeping willow is moisture loving,so the first year we must water it frequently.

After the first year, you will be able to water it less often, but you should be aware that the soil under the tree is not dry.

If you notice that the soil turns brown or that many leaves fall in spring or summer, you should increase the frequency of watering.

How do we plant a weeping willow step by step?

1. You must place the tree in the middle of the hole, very well erect, because if you place it tilted to one of the sides, it is likely that the roots will not take root properly.
2. Then fill halfway with soil; use potting soil, do not pack soil to avoid interference with drainage.
3. Since willows love water, now you need to pour eight liters of water evenly into the soil.
4. Finally, after watering the first layer of soil, you should completely close the hole around the root ball, then step on it lightly to level it.

What care do you have?

Weeping willows do not need additional fertilizer, but there are times when we should use it, during the spring, if we notice that the leaves are pale.

In this sense, you should sprinkle a cup of fertilizer around the area that is under the foliage of the tree.

When to do the pruning?

Cutting branches or pruning mature treesshould do in late winter or early spring.

Specialists consider that the longest branches of the weeping willow should be cut until they are up to 2 and a half meters from the ground.

The young weeping willowsshould be pruned once a weekto strengthen the trunk.

What pests and diseases can attack the weeping willow?

The weeping willow is not exempt from diseases and pests that cause damage to the point that they can end its life, which is why we must be vigilant to attack the predators that lie in wait for it.

The pests that cause health problems to the willow tree are caterpillars, aphids and aphids, as well as other insects that parasitize it.

The consequence of the pest attack is the irreversible deterioration of the tree, often with holes inside like deep wounds, and the branches and leaves deteriorated to the point of preventing their growth.

Other times they produce stains that spread over the trunk, which results in it drying out in a short time.

Therefore, we must be vigilant in order to provide it with the appropriate fertilizers and the necessary pruning for its healthy and happy growth, because the weeping willow is a tree of great beauty that brightens the environment like few other trees.

How long does the weeping willow live?

The estimated lifespan for the weeping willow is 60 years.

How long does it take to produce fruit?

The weeping willow will be ready to bear fruit after it is 5 years old, or sometimes even a little longer.

Can it be grown in a pot?

This is a species that is not suitable for working in pots due to the root system it develops.

How many times does the weeping willow produce fruit?

The normal thing is that it carries out a single production of fruits per year.

Does the weeping willow tree have to be pollinated to get fruit?

The task of pollination in the weeping willow is carried out by the wind, so there is no need to deal with this task.

How cold can the weeping willow tolerate?

It is resistant to cold and frost that occurs in winter when it is in its vegetative standstill.

It must be ensured that temperatures are not lower than -8° C.

How many weeping willows can be planted per hectare?

You have to work between 100 and 200 specimens of weeping willows per hectare.

What Kind of Fertilizer Does a Weeping Willow Need?

Organic fertilizer is ideal for this species that, in general, is not very demanding in terms of the nutrients it needs.

If planted on fertile ground, the use of fertilizers will become optional.

How much heat and/or drought can the weeping willow tree tolerate?

It is resistant to high summer temperatures as long as it is accompanied by a correct irrigation system to avoid dehydration.

This leads us to consider that it is a tree that prefers a slightly moist and not dry substrate.

Where to buy weeping willow seeds or seedlings?

As always, we recommend going to a local nursery to be able to purchase weeping willow seedlings or seeds.

However, if you do not have this option, we can recommend the following:

FALLER 181328 – A weeping willow, about 10 cm [import from Germany]

• Product description: Model to assemble for the railway maquettisme
• Minimum age: 14 months

€31.97 View on Amazon Prices with VAT without transport

Last updated on 2022-07-27 / Affiliate Links / Affiliate API Images

Busch 6650 120mm HO Weeping Willows (2 Pack)

• Requires batteries: No

€18.47 View on Amazon Prices with VAT without transport

Last updated on 2022-07-27 / Affiliate Links / Affiliate API Images