Willow Trees & Ponds

The dangling branches of the weeping willow provide shade for fish and wildlife.

A popular deciduous tree to plant beside a pond, the weeping willow (Salix babylonica) grows to a height of approximately 40 feet with a lush, abundant canopy that measures up to 40 feet in width. The tree's weeping branches hang gracefully to the water to give a picturesque appearance.

Planting Location

A hardy tree, the weeping willow will withstand a wide variety of soils. It does not tolerate drought well and prefers a moist or even wet root system, which makes it ideal for planting beside ponds, streams or other water bodies. The tree tolerates periods of flooding well.

Cultivation

The weeping willow prefers a planting location in full sunlight to produce the best dense canopy. If the tree is planted in shade, it will produce a poor shape and scraggly growth, according to Floridata. The tree has a shallow root system that can help prevent soil erosion and sediment deposition around the pond.

Considerations

Consider planting the weeping willow in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 6 to 8. The tree can suffer limb breakage from freezing temperatures. The tree can tolerate and grow in USDA zone 10 if planted beside a pond or other water source where its roots have ample water, according to Floridata.

References

• Floridata: Salix Babylonica
• World Agroforestry Centre: Salix Babylonica
• Missouri Botanical Garden: Salix Babylonica
• North Carolina State University: Salix Babylonica

Resources

• Virginia Tech: Weeping Willow