How to Propagate Weeping Willow Trees
Weeping willow trees can be propagated by taking a cutting from an established tree. Weeping willow trees are hardy and prefer moist, loamy soil in a spot that receives full sun. There are no specific fertilization requirements. Weeping willows have been known to self-propagate when branches have fallen to the ground and received enough water to encourage root growth. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Bucket Method
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1
Cut a stem with hand pruners that is at least 18 inches long and 1/2 to 1 inch in diameter from an established willow tree.
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2
Remove any small stems and leaves from the bottom half of the branch and place the cuttings into a 5-gallon bucket of water for one to two days. Roots should appear in two to three weeks.
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3
Loosen the soil and add compost to the ground at a ratio of 1:1. Mix the compost into the soil thoroughly. Create a hole, using a trowel, that's 9 to 10 inches deep. If you're planting more than one cutting, space holes at least 18 inches apart.
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4
Place the rooted cutting into the hole and cover loosely with soil. Cover the base of the stem with wood bark mulch and water thoroughly.
Ground Method
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5
Place fresh cuttings directly in the ground for an alternative method. The hold should b 9 to 10 inches deep.
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Cover the cutting loosely with soil and compost mixed to a ratio of 1:1.
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7
Add wood bark mulch around the base of the stem.
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Water thoroughly, keeping the soil moist but not soaked to encourage root development.
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Tips & Warnings
Take cuttings between December and February for best success. Roots begin to develop in two to three weeks. Weave young trees together to create a living garden structure such as an arbor. The more you prune and trim new growth, the denser the growth will become in later years. Save the water you used to root weeping willow branches; the natural rooting hormone will encourage root development in other plants.
Do not use rooting hormone on weeping willow trees. They produce their own rooting hormone.
