You can tell just how popular weeping willows are by looking at the price tag on saplings at the nursery! Demand for these graceful beauties is always high, but here’s a pro tip: the best way to get a new one is actually through cuttings. If you already have a tree in your yard (or know a neighbor who does), growing your own is surprisingly easy.
How to Take Your Cuttings
Taking cuttings from a weeping willow is pretty similar to most other plants. It’s all about timing and picking the right branch to propagate properly. For a successful start, you’re looking for a healthy, “juicy” branch about 14 inches long.
Step-by-Step Cutting Guide:
- Aim for a cloudy day when there’s no frost in the forecast.
- Pick a spot to cut that won’t mess up the overall shape and look of your tree.
- Make sure you’re cutting live, vibrant wood—dead wood won’t grow!
- Use a sharp tool to make a diagonal cut. This helps rainwater slide right off the wound on the main tree.
- Your cutting should be roughly 14 inches (35 cm) long.
Most gardeners grab their cuttings in the spring, and it makes total sense—that’s usually when you’re out there pruning anyway. Instead of tossing those trimmings, you can turn them into new trees! Just make sure the frost has passed, as fresh cuts can be sensitive to extreme cold.
Growing Your New Weeping Willow
First, pick out the perfect spot in your yard or prep a large pot with a mix of soil and humus. If you’re planting directly in the ground, stick the cutting into the dirt and spread a little compost or fertilizer around the base. Give it a good soak right away! You’ll need to keep the soil consistently moist for a while to help those roots take hold. Before you know it, you’ll have a baby willow on your hands.
If you start yours in a container, keep an eye on those roots. Once the pot starts feeling a little cramped, it’s time to transplant your willow. During those first few years of rapid growth, most gardeners find themselves moving their willows to a bigger home about every six months.
