How to Grow a Willow (Salix) Tree

Willow trees are highly ornamental in the garden. Their branch formations, catkins and habits of growth make them unique and decorative. If planted in the right landscape location, they can offer beauty, shade, and decorative material to be used indoors and out. Here is some more information about the willow tree (Salix) and how to grow one.

Instructions

1. The Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica) is the familiar and romantic looking tree with long drooping branches that sway in the wind. The Weeping Willow is a fast growing tree that can exceed 40' in height. It is well that the branches can dangle gracefully to the ground as nothing much will grow under this Salix. It is a very thirsty tree that cannot have too much water. Like all willows, it naturally developed streamside with roots dipping into the water. As a result, the willow will drink all the water it can get. These roots need to be kept away from water pipes and sewer lines where invading roots can clog pipes. Willow branches can be woven or clipped to create decorative fencing, arches and other delicate garden structures and decor.

2. The Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa' is known as the Corkscrew Willow. It is very decorative and the branches curl, twist and spiral into decorative upright curlicues. Branches are wonderful additions to floral arrangements. This tree also likes plenty of water and grows appreciably smaller that the S. babylonica. It is decorative and unusual.

3. 

   The pussywillow -- usually spelled as two words -- (Salix discolor) is another water-loving Salix. It won't grow to much more than a small tree and the spring flowers are the familiar fuzzy catkins (actually buds) for which the plant is so well-known. Keep it heavily pruned for the best shape and to offer the most catkins in the spring. This tree is also vulnerable to all the same issues as its bigger cousins.

4. Willows are not fussy about soil so long as they get sufficient water. They handle full sun, hard frosts and can take appreciable heat. Growing any willow in a hot, dry environment is asking for trouble. It will grow weakly and easily become prey to the willow borer. Like all other borers, the willow borer will drill out the inside of the tree until it dies. Leaves will be retained on an infested tree until it appears to die suddenly once the interior damage becomes unsupportable. Winds can also turn a borer-infected tree into a danger as it can be blown over easily with its hollowed out interior.

   Where willows receive sufficient water, they grow into handsome, strong trees.

5. Use the willow tree as an ornamental in the landscape with the big weeping willow as a decorative shade tree. For more information, see the Resources below.

Resources

• Landscape design and garden information and ideas
• eHow Spring Guide
• How to Grow Pussywillows