Willow trees look absolutely stunning as standards (those cute lollipop-shaped patio trees). If you’re looking to keep your willow in top shape, you’ve come to the right place! With a little TLC and the right technique, your willow will be a neighborhood showstopper for years to come.
Caring for Your Willow Standard
The ‘Hakuro Nishiki’ (Dappled Willow) is the superstar of the standard world, but plenty of other willow varieties can be trained into this upright form. The biggest thing to remember? Standards need a regular haircut. Consistent pruning is the secret sauce to keeping that beautiful, rounded canopy and making those leaves really pop.
How to Prune Your Standard:
For the best results, give your willow a good trim in the spring and a follow-up shape-up in the summer. Just make sure you finish your summer pruning by the end of August. If you wait too long, the tree won’t have enough time to “harden off” and prepare for the winter chill. Here’s your step-by-step guide:
- Always start with sharp, clean bypass pruners to prevent disease.
- Trim back the main branches by about one-third.
- Completely remove any dead wood or branches growing inward/crossing each other.
- Snip back any side shoots growing out of the main “trunk.”
- Be extremely careful not to nick or damage the graft union (the bump where the canopy meets the stem).
- Step back occasionally to make sure the crown size looks balanced with the height of the trunk.
Finding the Perfect Spot
A well-kept standard looks great just about anywhere, but picking the right planting spot is key for a healthy, fast-growing tree. They’re perfect for balconies or patios, provided they get plenty of sunshine. Willows are sun-worshippers!
Don’t forget that willows are thirsty plants. If you’re growing yours in a pot, keep a close eye on the soil and water regularly. While willows naturally love being near water, they don’t like “wet feet” in a container. Make sure your soil is well-draining so water doesn’t sit at the bottom of the pot, which can lead to root rot. Balance is everything!
