Willow Trees

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How to Care for Willow Trees Willow tree care is very easy once they are established. Willows are adaptable to any soil type and can even thrive in wet conditions. Water newly planted willow trees thoroughly 2 to 3 times per week for the first couple months. Apply 1 to 2 inches of mulch around young willow trees to help the soil retain moisture, reduce watering needs, and keep weeds at bay. These shade trees are very fast growing so they like their nutrients. They can be fed when planting and in spring with a slow release fertilizer . If your soil is nutrient weak, fertilize in late summer or early fall as well. When to Plant Willow Trees Spring and fall are great seasons for planting these trees. For warmer parts of the United States you can plant willow trees in winter as well. Areas that have mild summers can plant in summer. Offer plenty of water when planting in summer to combat stress from heat and transplantation. How to Plant Willow Trees Your potted willow tree should be watered well prior to planting to ensure the root ball is moist. Dig a hole about twice as wide as the root ball. When you put your tree into the hole, the top of the root ball should be slightly visible above the existing soil line. Next, gently tamp the soil back into the hole around the root ball. After planting, water deeply at the base of your tree until the ground can no longer hold water. Apply a 1 to 2 inch layer of mulch around your willow tree. Keep the mulch an inch or 2 away from the trunk to avoid pests and disease. When to Prune Willow Trees The best time to prune willow trees is in winter or early spring when they are dormant. Fall when temperatures are cool and trees are beginning to slow down their metabolic processes is also a great time for willow tree pruning. Broken, dead, or diseased branches should be trimmed off immediately. Minor pruning can be done at any time. Featured Willow Trees Corkscrew Willow Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa' Growing Zones 4-8 Mature Size: 20 to 30