Weeping willows can have many pest and disease problems and invade underground pipes and power lines. In general, weeping willows do not need fertilizer to become healthy and hardy. If the leaves of your weeping willow look pale, you can apply a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 20-20-20 in the spring. The weeping willow (Salix babylonica) is probably the best known of the mourning trees, with gracefully arched trunks that hang delicately and tremble in the wind. The leaves of this deciduous tree are lanceolate and grow 3 to 6 inches long; They turn yellow in autumn before falling. The bark of the weeping willow is rough and grey, with long deep ridges. When the tree blooms in late winter or spring, yellow catkins (flowers) appear. Weeping willows are among the trees whose roots can cause big problems. The roots are invasive and grow aggressively towards water sources, including sewers and sewer systems that can extend further than the height of the tree. Weeping willow reaches a height of 30–40` and a height of about 35` at maturity.
You can grow a willow from cuttings. Take a cut of a living terminal branch 18 inches (46 cm) long. Place the cut end in moist soil in a well-drained pot or directly in the garden soil. Keep it moderately moist until the roots cut off. The branches of weeping willows (Salix babylonica) drape themselves on the edge of bodies of water in gardens and landscapes famous around the world. Weeping willow is native to China and is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 2 to 9a. Like other willow species, weeping willow is inextricably linked to water and is a poor choice for a dry place unless irrigation can be provided. The weeping willow (Salix babylonica) is one of 400 species in the genus Salix.
Its peculiarity are the hanging branches. Weeping willows have long been prized for their delicate, weeping branches grazing the ground with silver-colored floating leaves. Its shape flows into a pleasant round canopy. Not only do they provide food for rabbits and deer, but their branches are also ideal for nesting birds. Weeping willows thrive very well near water, where they can prevent soil erosion. Weeping willow is expected to grow in hardiness zones 6 to 8. View map The weeping willow has a massive root system that penetrates the soil within a wide radius from the trunk of the tree. This factor creates unfavorable soil conditions for the growth of most other plants, including lawn grass. The vigorous roots of the willow can penetrate sewer pipes, water pipes and sewer systems, causing costly damage and disrupting domestic life. The roots also tear sidewalks and driveways and can damage a home`s foundation if planted too close to the house. For all these reasons, it is best to plant a weeping willow outside homes, where it can be enjoyed in a more naturalized environment. Be sure to plant your weeping willow at least 50 feet from your home.
Weeping willow is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases. The best prevention is to ensure that soil conditions meet the nutritional needs of the tree. If the leaves of the tree have yellow tips, apply 1 cup of tree and shrub manure to the root zone of the willow for every 1 inch of trunk diameter. Fertilize once when willow leaves appear in spring and again in early summer. If the weeping willow has yellow leaves with green veins, it does not receive enough iron from the soil. Iron chelate can be applied, but it is likely that the soil is too alkaline, which limits iron absorption. Have the soil tested by the County Cooperative Extension Service and add sulfur according to the extension service`s instructions to lower soil pH, making the soil less alkaline. Make a vertical hole in the bed with a metal skewer at least equal in diameter to the cut and about 25 cm (10 inches) deep. When planting through plastic, etc. The cob drills a hole through the leaf/fabric so that there is virtually no space left for weeds. First, squeeze the cut into the soil, leave at least three buds with (about 5 cm) 2 inches and firm the soil around it.
When using mulch, remember to consider the depth of the mulch. As an open, sunny place where willows grow well, it prefers good, moisture-retaining soils (with good drainage) that remain moist year-round as willows thrive in such conditions. It grows well in a variety of soils and is quite tolerant in terms of soil pH. We grow on silty clay with a pH value of about 6.2 – 7.0. NB The colour of willow varies slightly depending on soil type and pH. CAUTION Do not plant willows near buildings, walls, stone structures, drains and septic tanks, where their roots can cause damage, as willows need a lot of water and the roots actively seek it. We recommend a planting distance of 1.5 times the maximum height that the plant is allowed to grow. This applies to cuttings, whips, stems and trees, especially the strongest varieties.
There are arboreal and shrub willows, all notable for their love of moist soils and dispersed, sometimes invasive root systems. You can even find a willow growing at the edge of a stream or river. Weeping willows and cat willows are probably two of the most well-known types of willows, but there are many others. Dig a whole twice the width of your root ball, but about the same depth. Remove the root ball from the container and carefully separate its roots, then place it in the center of the hole. Fill the hole halfway with soil, then pour 2 gallons of water into it. Fill the hole with soil and plug slightly to remove air bubbles. Although weeping willow is often planted near water, it cannot be planted in constantly flooded or soaked soil on its surface. It is not a swampy tree, but a type of bank or river. Good drainage around the treetops is important, just as access to moisture is necessary for the tree`s survival. If a weeping willow is planted in a low area, the crown of its roots should be at least 2 feet above the water table.
The tree can be planted on higher and drier soil, but requires extensive weekly watering for healthy growth. Because weeping willows can grow up to 50 feet in height and width, they need a wide strip of grass or yard to spread. They work well in areas that are naturally very humid, but they tend to shed a lot of leaves and branches, so avoid planting them where falling branches can cause damage or injury. Weeping willow grows well in acidic, alkaline, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, well-drained and loamy soils. It grows well near water, but has some tolerance to drought. Riparian areas are naturally fertile due to all the soil, nutrients and organic matter that are washed downstream during heavy rains and accumulate in river bottoms and ponds. Weeping willow grows well in such an environment, but may have difficulties in a less fertile location, such as sandy or rocky ridges and heavy clay left behind when topsoil is scraped off to build a residential subdivision.
