Weeping Willow Tree Care

Weeping willow tree (salix sepulcralis), is one of the many types of willow trees. It is a a hybrid between the Chinese Peking willow and the European white willow. With more that 400 species, most of which are found in the northern hemisphere, these trees are ornamental trees used extensively in landscape designs. They are a fixture in water gardening, as they look more striking when planted near a pond or a lake, because their reflection in the water, adds beauty to the place. Weeping willow trees are one of the fast growing shade trees, growing up to 10 feet in one year. Are you wondering about how to care for a weeping willow tree? Ensure that you pay attention to the factors for weeping willow tree care given below, and follow the useful tips for growing weeping willow.

How to Care for a Weeping Willow Tree

There are many suppliers for weeping willow, many of whom can be found online. Sometimes, you may get a bare sapling (without any leaves), but do not worry as this is only a dormant state (biological rest period) of the tree. If you get a weeping willow sapling, which has dry roots, immediately sprinkle cool water on its root to replenish it and if you are not planting the sapling immediately, store it in a cool, dark and dry place. After you purchase the sapling, follow the weeping willow tree instructions given below which will guide you in the process of growing the weeping willow tree.

Location: Select a spot where the tree will receive bright sunlight. Keep in mind that the roots of this tree will penetrate deep into the ground. So, plant it in an area where the roots will not be hindered. Avoid placing it near sideways or driveways. Never place a weeping willow near a sewer line or drainage ditch, as the roots might obstruct these lines and cause a lot of damage. It is best if you plant them near a water body like a pond, lake or a spring.

Planting Care: The soil for gardening of weeping willow tree, should be loose and of good quality. Plant the tree in a hole which is twice the size of its roots. Plant the tree in the hole, and refill the hole with soil. Take care to avoid air pockets as the roots will become dry, if any air pockets are present. So, cover the roots with soil and leave the stem uncovered.

Watering: Keep watering the weeping willow tree regularly, especially during the 1^st year of its growth. Ensure that you water the tree well, especially during summers. Sometimes, the falling of the tree's leaves can be a sign of over or under watering.

Fertilizers: Do not use fertilizers directly on the tree but mix them with the soil. Use organic fertilizers which are rich in nitrogen.

Weed Control: Do not let any weed or grass grow around the tree in it's initial growth period. After it completes one year use mulching around trees, to prevent the growth of weeds. Use a well-drained, organic mulch rich in nitrogen, for weeping willow tree care.

Pest Control: Ensure proper watering and use of fertilizers for pest control, as these are essential for prevention of weeping willow tree diseases. Sometimes, pests like borers or aphids attack weeping willow tree. To prevent infestation by pests make sure you regularly prune the tree and remove any dead, diseased or damaged branches.

Important Tips for Weeping Willow Tree Care

Here, are some important tips one should follow while growing weeping willow trees.

• If there is a drought in your area, plant the new sapling in a large pot and keep it in a shady area. Keep watering it regularly and after the weather becomes cooler, transplant the sapling to the garden.
• If you wish to increase the growth rate od weeping willow trees, plant them in a spot where they get bright sunlight.
• Take proper care to protect the tree against any pest infestation.
• During the fall, the tree sheds its leaves and become dormant. However, in the spring it is one of the first trees to start leafing.
• During the later years of the trees, especially after 3 years, the tree won't need much maintenance, except for watering during droughts, and regular pruning.

This was all about weeping willow tree care. Observe the above care instructions and, remember these important tips when growing weeping willow tree. Weeping willows, thanks to their grace and beauty, add value to one's property. One of the most important weeping willow tree facts, is that it has a life span of 30 years, so if you take good care of your weeping willow tree, then you can enjoy the beauty it adds to your landscape design.