When to Plant a Weeping Willow

Planting at the right time helps establish a healthy weeping willow.

The distinctive shape of the weeping willow tree offers a serene hideaway for birds and for people. They thrive on river banks and near creeks. When you are ready to add a willow to your own garden, proper care begins with planting; planting at the wrong time can lead to a damaged tree that will not thrive.

When to Plant

When you purchase a willow tree from a garden center, the tree will likely be dormant, meaning that it is not growing at that very moment. Dormancy makes it easier for the tree to be transplanted without damage to the roots. The best time to plant a weeping willow tree is in early spring, after the threat of frost has passed but before the tree comes out of dormancy. This will allow the tree to adapt to its new home and establish healthy roots before the intense heat of summer sets in.

Alternate Planting Time

If you cannot plant the willow in the spring, the next best time to plant is in early fall, after the most extreme summer heat has passed but before frost sets in. Similar to planting in spring, this allows time for the tree to become established before the harsh winter cold sets in. The tree will go dormant in the winter and if the roots are not strong enough before they stop growing for the season, the tree may not be able to get enough water or nutrients to last through the winter.

Adjusting for Alternate Planting

If you have no other option than to plant in summer heat or drought conditions, start the tree in a pot, where you can completely control the amount of water the tree receives. Keep the tree outdoors so that it can adjust to the temperature, but place it in a shady area that receives only a few hours of full sunlight each day. Water the willow's soil any time the top 2 inches feel dry to the touch; the actual frequency of watering will vary by the temperature. However, water deeply every time you water, so that excess runs from the pot's drainage holes. Once the temperature drops or the drought ends, you can move the tree to its permanent spot in your garden.

Planting Tips

Plant your willow in an area of your garden or yard that receives at least seven hours of sunlight daily. Plant it in well-draining soil or mix organic amendments such as compost or manure into the soil to increase drainage. Plant the tree in a hole twice the width and depth of its current roots so that the roots have plenty of room to spread and take hold. Pull all weeds and mulch around the base of the tree after it is planted.

References

• Fast Growing Trees: Weeping Willow Tree Planting Instructions
• North Dakota State University; Questions on Willow; Ron Smith