Willow trees have a way of making any park look like something out of a fairytale. It’s no wonder so many of us dream of having one right in our own backyard! If you’re thinking about adding one to your landscape, here’s the lowdown on what these beautiful trees need to really thrive.
The Perfect Spot for Your Willow
To keep that lush, flowing canopy looking its best, a willow tree needs a lot of water. These aren’t trees for dry, thirsty soil. Ideally, you’ll want to plant yours near a pond, lake, or stream. If the roots can reach out and sip directly from a water source, your willow will be happy as a clam. If you don’t have a water feature, just be prepared to step in and handle the watering yourself quite often.
Here’s a quick checklist of what they love:
- A steady supply of moisture
- Plenty of bright sunlight
- Lots of elbow room
- Soil with a mix of sand or loam
Sunlight is another big deal for these trees. You definitely don’t want to tuck a willow away in the shadows; they want to soak up the sun! As far as the dirt goes, willows prefer a pH between 4.5 and 7.8. This means they do great in neutral to acidic soil. For the best growth results, aim for soil that has a nice blend of sand and clay (loam).
Don’t Forget About Those Roots!
Before you start digging, you need to keep one thing in mind: willows grow massive root systems. These roots are on a mission to find nutrients and water, which can be a double-edged sword. On the plus side, those strong roots are fantastic for stabilizing soil, making willows a great choice if you’re trying to prevent erosion on a slope.
However, those powerful roots can also cause some headaches. You’ll want to keep your willow a safe distance away from your house, as the roots can actually damage foundations or mess with underground pipes. It’s also a good idea to keep them away from property lines—you don’t want your tree lifting up your neighbor’s fence or pavers! Finally, try not to plant them right next to your flower or vegetable beds. A willow will “drink everyone else’s milkshake,” literally sucking the water away from your other plants.
