How to Grow a Willow Tree

It's fairly easy to grow a willow tree in your garden. There are many varieties of willow trees. Many have silvery, shiny leaves on weeping branches that make them an attractive specimen tree. Willow trees are fast growing and easy to propagate.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cuttings
• Hoe
• Plastic garden sheet
• Pots
• Potting soil
• Rooting hormone
• Trowel
• Herbicide
• Mulch

1. Purchase a willow tree cutting, or start a cutting from an existing tree. Cut off a branch about 1 inch thick and 5 to 16 inches long.

2. Store cuttings until they can be planted. Place them in a vase of water until spring, store in the refrigerator or plant in a pot with a well balanced potting soil. You can apply rooting hormone to the end of the cutting before potting it.

3. Choose a site with moist soil. Willow trees are invasive and grow large roots. They should not be planted near foundations, concrete or septic systems. Full sun is best for the willow tree to thrive, but it will survive in a shady spot.

4. Prepare the garden. Cultivate the soil by turning over to a depth of 12 inches. Mix some compost into the soil. If desired, lay down a plastic garden sheet and cut a hole for the willow cutting.

5. Make a hole in the soil with a trowel. Plant the cutting vertically at a depth of 12 to 18 inches. Pat down the soil around the cutting. Plant in the spring or summer.

6. Control weeds. Pull weeds with your hands or gardening tools. Mulch the area with straw, cardboard or other organic material. If necessary, spray the area with herbicide after the willow is past its first year.