How to Grow Willow Trees

Willow trees are quite popular for their graceful branches and flowing foliage, but looks are not all these beautiful trees have to offer. The fast growing willow is ideal for use as a shade tree or, planted in rows, as a windbreak. Within just a few years, a willow sprout can grow into a tall tree while many other tree varieties require decades to reach such proportions. And, willow trees are easy to cultivate from cuttings and require very little care as they grow.

Things You'll Need

• Willow tree cuttings
• Open location for planting

Instructions

1. Get willow tree cuttings from your local garden center or take them directly from an established willow tree. Select a healthy branch that measures about 1/2 to 1 inch in diameter, and approximately 10 to 15 inches long.

2. Choose a location to plant your willow trees. Select an area that is away from the foundation of your home, sidewalks, sewer pipes, or water lines. Willow roots can be very invasive and can cause plumbing problems or crumble foundations if planted too close.

3. Rooting your willow tree cuttings can be done directly in the ground if you are planting in the spring, or you can start them indoors in a container, transplanting them to their permanent location after the danger of frost has passed. Willow tree cuttings generally do not require the use of root hormones to flourish. They root easily on their own due to a natural hormone produced by the tree that promotes root growth. To root your cutting outside, simply tap the cutting into moist soil, making sure to leave a few leaf nodes above ground. The cutting will need a bit of shade during the day to ensure the roots develop well. Roots should begin to grow within a few weeks and by the onset of the fall season should be well established.

4. Sheltering your new little willow trees with a cage may be a good idea for the first season or two to prevent wildlife from snacking on their tender new shoots. Controlling weeds during this time is important as well to ensure that your young trees do not have to compete for the nutrients they require to grow and flourish. However, after willow trees are firmly established, they can fend for themselves quite nicely, needing little care to grow into tall and graceful giants.