The willow tree is a perennial tree that belongs to the plant family Salicaceae and it is native to China, Asia but this tree can be found in regions which include Europe and North America.
This tree is known for its ability to reach a height of between 35 to 50 feet and this plant is known to grow roots that are about 45 feet in length.
This is a deciduous tree which is commonly referred to as a weeping tree (and it is the most common of them all) and this tree is known to have the ability to change their color seasonally (having different color based on the particular season of the year.
The willow tree is a dioecious tree, that is, it can either have the male reproductive organ or female reproductive organ on each tree.
Of the numerous trees around the world, the willow tree is one of those which have the ability to reach its matured height quite early in its life; they attain 10 feet each year.
Willow trees are highly productive plants; apart from being able to grow from seeds, this tree is known to have the ability to grow from broken twigs (branches) and leaves.
The willow tree is known to have the ability to grow for 30 years in the wild and this tree is quite unique in that the length of the root is simultaneous to the height of the tree.
Growing a willow tree is quite an awesome and lovely operation to engage in as it involves the ability to grow a new and beautiful plant from a young age and being able to take care of the plant to a matured size.
The willow tree is a flowering plant which blooms during early spring and the nectars produced by this flower do attract insects that aid pollination and lead to the development of a brown capsule (its fruit).
In this article, we will take you through the step-by-step process involved in planting a willow tree. Below are the steps involved in growing a weeping willow tree!
When is the right time to plant a willow tree?
Before going through the steps involved in growing your willow tree, it is important to know the right time when planting should be done.
Willow trees are beautiful plants having different lovely plant species and they are known for their ability to thrive quite well under full or partial sun exposure.
These are water-loving plants that have the ability to take up a considerable amount of sunlight which makes it suitable for growth in flooded areas (but not always recommended) – they can just be grown close.
The best time to plant your willow tree is during late winter, early spring, or in fall.
Fall:
Planting your willow tree during this time of the year will give the plant the chance to develop its roots to a specific distance.
Plants grown during this period of the year will be able to grow its root to attain stability while in the soil and they must have been able to fend for nutrients and water for themselves.
Planting should be done during early fall when it is very easy for the plant to grow well and get established. Adding a layer of mulch to the base of the plant will also give your plant a better chance to survive the cold winter season.
Late winter or early spring:
Planting your willow tree can also be done just after the last winter frost and when spring commences. Planting should be done when the plant is still dormant so as to allow the plant to get established more easily.
During this period, the plant will channel its energy towards root formation and less stress will be placed on the plant.
Make sure that you plant the willow seedling when it will survive best so you should pay very good attention to your plant.
How to plant a Willow tree
Growing your own willow tree, Salix babylonica, also known as Babylon willow is very simple and this can be conveniently done from seeds, seedlings, or stem cuttings.
However, the easiest way of growing willow trees is from stem cutting and we will explain the simple steps involved in growing your matured willow tree. The steps involved in planting a matured willow tree are discussed below:
Source for stem cuttings:
The stem cuttings should be selected from a healthy, matured willow tree that is free from disease.
The stem cutting should be done during fall when the plant has begun to experience dormancy (characterized by the loss of leaves) and the cut should be done at the base of the stem. The stem cutting should not be more than 2 feet long.
Prepare the growing soil:
A nursery pot should be filled with a potting mix that will enhance the growth of the cutting.
You should fill the pot very well so as to ensure the availability of necessary nutrients that will support the germination of its root. Make sure to water the soil well and keep it moist as much as possible.
Plant the cutting:
A small hole should be made at the center of the potting mix and the plant should be carefully planted at the center.
Make sure that the planted cutting is exposed to partial sunlight so as to enhance the germination of the plant.
Do not expose the plat to full sunlight so as to allow for its proper germination and avoid it getting killed by overexposure to light rays. Make sure you provide the plant with water dialing to keep it moist at all times.
Site selection:
Choosing a suitable site for growing your willow tree is of great priority and the site must be carefully chosen as this plant can be disastrous.
Since this plant grows roots that can reach a length of about 45 – 50 feet, it is recommended not to grow this plant close to structures such as buildings, sewers, and power linings.
The plant should be planted at a spot that is opened (lack any structure whatsoever) and you should also consider choosing a site that is a little bit close to a water body – this will support their growth and development.
The place of choice must receive either full or partial sunlight (between 4 – 8 hours per day) and the soil must be well-draining.
Prepare the soil:
The soil for growing your willow tree should be prepared before your plant is planted and you can add manure or compost before planting.
The soil for growing your plant must be rich in nutrients. Make sure that the soil is tilled for its use.
Dig a hole:
A hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and deep as the root ball is recommended for growing your willow tree. This will ensure that the plants’ root will have the chance of growing as deep as possible.
Transplant the seedling:
The growing cutting should be transplanted when it is late winter or early spring when it will be easy for it to establish itself.
The plant should be placed at the center of the hole so as to encourage the lateral development of the root and growing at the side can cause the root to grow around the root ball.
Cover up the hole:
The hole should be filled with topsoil and this should be done halfway then supplied with water to ensure its proper draining.
Make sure not to step on the soil and the hole should then be filled up with more soil to balance it. Make sure that the soil is filled with a very large amount of water so as to enhance the survival of the plant.
Water regularly:
After the soil has been totally covered, the plant should then be supplied with enough water that will ensure the establishment of the plant.
Care for your plant:
Just like every other living organism, it is important to give proper care to your plant so as to enhance its growth and development.
Your plant should be regularly watered, fertilized during spring, and overgrown branches should be trimmed and pruned as required.
Conclusion
The willow tree is a beautiful plant that can be used for adorning the yard or garden and they can be conveniently used for making the environment as beautiful as possible. Learn how to grow your own willow tree with so much ease and conveniences. Happy gardening!
On behalf of the author, thank you so much for taking the time to read this article !
