Weeping willows are generally known for being pretty tough when it comes to winter weather. However, there are a few situations where your tree might need a little extra TLC to make it through a deep freeze. If your willow is living in a pot, it’s much more exposed to the elements than one in the ground. Similarly, young saplings or trees recovering from a rough season can be a bit sensitive to the cold. Here’s the lowdown on how to keep your trees cozy.
Keep an eye on these specific situations:
- Overwintering weeping willows in containers
- Protecting newly planted saplings
- Helping sick or weakened trees survive the chill
Overwintering Container Plants
So, you’ve got your weeping willow planted in a pot, perfectly pruned, and looking sharp on your patio? That’s great, but you’ll need to prep it for winter. When a plant is in a container, its roots are way more vulnerable to freezing than a tree planted in the garden. Even a thick layer of snow acts as a natural insulator for ground-planted trees, whereas a pot can freeze solid pretty quickly.
First off, you can move your potted willow into a garage or a shed where it’s shielded from the worst of the wind and ice. If moving it isn’t an option, try the “Christo” method: wrap the pot in garden fleece or burlap. Wrap the base securely and tuck it over the rim. For extra protection, you can loosely drape a burlap sack over the top of the tree itself to keep the frost at bay.
Protecting Newly Planted Trees
A freshly planted weeping willow hasn’t had much time to establish a deep root system yet. To give it a head start, spread a thick layer of straw or fallen leaves over the root zone. This acts like a warm blanket for the soil. Usually, this simple bit of insulation is all it takes to help a young tree survive its first winter.
Helping Weakened Willows
If your willow had a rough year—maybe it dealt with a fungal infection and needed a heavy pruning in the fall—its natural rhythm might be a bit off. Sometimes, a late-season trim encourages new growth that isn’t “hardened off” yet, or it leaves fresh cuts exposed to the cold. In this case, you might want to use a tree wrap or seal the larger pruning cuts. Adding a nice layer of mulch or straw around the base of the trunk will also help keep the roots insulated while the tree recovers.
