How to Plant Rooting Weeping Willow Trees
Rooting a weeping willow tree from cuttings is generally a successful endeavor, if you follow a few simple steps. Weeping willows have built-in plant hormones that make them simple to root from cuttings. Take your cuttings from a mature weeping willow tree during the dormant season, from February to March when the leaves are off the tree, after the last expected hard frost. Weeping willows enjoy moist soil, but not standing water, and will thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 10, depending on the cultivar. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Shovel
- Compost
- Sharp knife
- Wooden stake
- Stretchy fabric
- Fertilizer
Instructions
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1
Scout a site to plant your rooting weeping willow tree in an area of your lawn that is partially shaded. Make sure that there are no water or sewage pipes nearby as weeping willow roots enjoy growing around pipes of any kind.
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2
Dig a hole measuring 18 inches wide and 18 inches deep. Line the base of the hole with organic compost and water it well.
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3
Take a cutting from at least two-year-old wood on a mature weeping willow tree. Look for a branch that's around 2 inches at the base and no more than 6 feet tall. Make an angled cut where the branch meets the tree trunk.
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Plant the cutting in the center of your prepared pit. Fill in around it with the dirt that you removed from the hole.
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5
Tie the cutting to a stake for security. Make sure to use stretchy fabric, such as a stocking, so that the tree trunk can expand.
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Add a 2-inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree, but do not allow the mulch to touch the stem.
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Water the cutting well during the first year as it is becoming established. In dry periods, water it daily.
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Fertilize the weeping willow sparingly during the first year with 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. Do not fertilize the tree, fertilize the soil around the tree.
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Pull the weeds from around the tree during the first year. Rooting and establishing a weeping willow works best if the cutting need not compete with weeds for nutrients and moisture.
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