Weeping Willow Planting Instructions

Weeping willow trees are often planted near water features.

Weeping willow trees are a fast-growing, graceful addition to any landscape. Although weeping willows are often seen around water, they are suitable to almost any landscape. Reaching a height of 45 to 70 feet, they will spread just as wide. The weeping willow tree should be given a lot of room to develop as it grows. The weeping willow does well in moist soils--hence, their frequency around water features--but will do fine in drier climates. It can survive some drought, although it will lose some of its leaves.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Compost
• Peat moss
• Mulch

Instructions

1. Plant your tree in an area with soil that's moist, yet well-drained. If you choose a dry location, be sure you have access to water so that the tree can be watered frequently.

2. Dig a hole for your tree about three times as large as the diameter and the same depth of the root ball, using a shovel.

3. Loosen the roots around the edges of the root ball, but don't break up the roots too much. Place the tree in the center of the hole and turn it the way you like it.

4. Hold the tree upright while you refill the hole with soil and a mixture of peat moss and compost. Make sure the roots are completely covered with soil. You don't want air pockets around the roots, as this will cause them to dry out.

5. Scrape a shallow water ring (about 4 inches wide and 4 inches deep) around the outer edge of the planting hole. This will keep water from running off into the grass or mulch around the trees. After the tree is well-established, level the ring out with the rest of the planting area.

6. Add a 3-inch layer of hay, straw, compost, bark mulch or whatever your preferred mulch is to the area around the tree. A mulched tree will have better-protected roots and will stay moist longer.

References

• Fast Growing Trees Nursery: Weeping Willow Tree Instructions
• U.S. Forest Service: Weeping Willow
• Backyard Gardener: Golden Weeping Willow