How to Plant Dappled Willow Trees
The dappled willow tree, Salix "Nishika," is round in shape with thin, spreading branches. The leaves turn pink in the spring and turn into a creamy white and green color once it matures. The branches of the dappled willow turn red in the winter, which is new growth. Pruning brings out more color in the foliage and enhances the red of the branches. This willow tree makes a beautiful accent for any yard. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Shovel
- Wire cutters (optional)
- Hose
- Compost, pine straw or pulverized bark
Instructions
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1
Choose an area of the yard that gets at least six hours and no less than three hours of direct sun a day. Soil should be well-drained and rich.
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2
Dig a hole that is approximately three to four times bigger than the rootball of the willow tree. The roots shouldn't touch the sides of the hole. It should be deep enough so that the root collar is even with the ground around the hole. Use the shovel to gouge the sides of the hole all the way around.
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3
Untie and fold back the burlap sack around the rootball of the willow tree. If the burlap is made of synthetic material, remove it. Wire baskets can't be completely removed because it would damage the roots. Cut away sections of wire to make large openings for the roots to grow into the ground.
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4
Fill the hole in with soil. Use your hands to spread the soil evenly around the willow roots and pat down the soil to remove air pockets when the hole is halfway filled.
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5
Use the hose to fill the hole with water and wait until all the water soaks into the ground. Fill the rest of the hole with the remaining soil.
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6
Create a mound of soil around the outer edge of the willow tree, forming a saucer, then fill with water. Spread a 3-inch-deep layer of compost, or other mulch, around the tree.
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