How to Transplant a Weeping Willow
The weeping willow's long branches hang toward the ground, making a dramatic statement for your garden. With an average height of 30 to 40 feet, the weeping willow prefers moist environments close to water. Willows have long, slender leaves in shades of white or green. Willow wood is fairly weak. While it is used for basket weaving, it's not strong enough for furniture. There are steps you can follow to transplant a weeping willow. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Locate your desired location to transplant the weeping willow.
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Use a shovel to dig a large hole that is three times as long as the willow's root ball and twice as wide. A 12- to 15-foot willow can have a root ball that's 3 to 4 feet wide, so make an educated guess on the size of your root ball if you must.
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Loosen all soil near the new site.
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Remove the willow from its present location with the help of a shovel and sharp spade. You can use the spade like a mallet to sever the entrenched roots from the root ball; the tree will set new roots when it is transplanted.
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Carry the tree to its new location and place in the new hole. Ensure that the willow is standing at about the same level it was, buried no more or less. Also make sure the tree is straight.
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Cover the hole loosely with dirt until there is a small mound around the trunk of the tree.
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Water the willow. The water will compress the soil to remove air pockets.
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Tips & Warnings
Water the tree every two weeks to ensure a moist environment. The tree should do well in its new location as long as you keep the soil moist.
Transplant willow trees during their dormant period from February to mid-March.
Willows have higher success rates after transplanting than other types of trees.
