One being there are many myths about weeping willows. But they arent for everyone. 3. less pruning of drooping branches required due to the upright canopy. How much does a weeping willow tree drink a day? If youre planting in the warmer months, simply water the tree more frequently. In another area, we had juniper trees in a line in order to wall off the neighbors trash cans. Very good information! In practice there are other considerations. The removal of large trees, especially in confined spaces, is expensive. A weeping willow can take between 10-15 years to grow full size. As you wisely suggest, they could always be taken out in the future once that tree belt fills in well in 20 years or so. Just remember to follow a routine to water it during the growing period. What is the average lifespan of the weeping willow? You can test your soil for good drainage before you plant. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. They do love water, but they cant sense where it is. Hope you can help,my neighbor has just planted 33 lleylandi trees along our border.these trees are already 2metres high,he has spaced them 2metres apart in order for them to thicken.half of these trees run alongside my house.they are about 3.5metres from my house,but because I live in a dip I have a retaining wall of which they are about 2.5metres from.i am worried that eventually they will affect my wall and foundations.i have asked him to remove them but he says he will review the situation in the summer.legally do I have any rights to force him to remove them. weeping willow image by Edsweb from Fotolia.com. This applies to cuttings, whips, rods and trees, especially the more vigorous varieties. Think of it as planting in layers ground level, 1-6 feet, 6 feet and upwards, for example. That distance will the fine more than you could go 4 feet if you wanted to. You would need 20 feet or more between the trees to keep branches low to the ground as they grow. There are four principal weed control alternatives: Hand Weeding on small scale planting using a hoe is practical however it is time consuming which needs to be undertaken on a regular basis throughout the growing season and can be demanding. It will look natural there and have all the moisture it wants (though it will grow in drier soil, too). The cost to plant a large mature tree up to 20' tall is $400 to $1,300. Willows cant drill into sound pipes, but as stated above, will thicken their roots around moisture - so a cracked pipe may encourage growth and appear to crack the pipe. Theyre also ideal as shade trees, with leaves that sprout first in spring and hold until frost. The Weeping Willow grows up to 60 feet (18 m), has a trunk diameter between 1 to 3 feet and a root spread of up to 35 feet. The national champion, in Michigan, has a trunk 8 feet thick - imagine that. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This method has the advantage of giving an early boost to spring growth as well as good moisture retention throughout. The corkscrew willow has a shorter spread than the weeping willow (15 to 20 feet compared to a height of 25 to 35 feet) and its roots are less invasive, although they may still become a problem as the tree ages. If the position is more shaded, then Skypencil Holly could be a good choice also slim and upright. I still l want them to grow big and tall and overlap some so I guess I could try the 1/3 rule! layer of mulch will help keep the soil moist, helps keep weeds in check, and protect the trunk from damage by weed trimmers and lawnmowers. Our family is looking to fill a blank canvas backyard with trees for shade and privacy, now that we have a new patio. Ideally, you should plant your tree at least 50 feet (15m) away from the house or any underground lines or pipes.. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Emerald Green Arborvitae Thank you for all the information! Im sorry to hear that unskilled tree trimmers do a lot of damage! Disease in weeping willows isnt very common. The backyard gets western sun which I want to shade in summer. 4 hours of direct and unfiltered sunlight every day is best for the growing tree. Slowly and gently water the half-filled hole and allow the water to run its course. desert willow tree problems desert willow tree problems (No Ratings Yet) . Though cursed at birth with a black thumb, Elizabeth always dreamed of being a plant person. Once youve found a good spot, youll need to dig a hole thats twice as wide as the trees roots. To protect foundations, sewers and drains, allow the following spacings: Small trees, such as flowering dogwoods, magnolia, or smaller conifers allow 10 feet. Lasting benefits include: Harvesting must be done when the willows are dormant this means harvesting in the fall or spring when there are no leaves on them. Theyre messy trees, theyll say, or theyll damage your underground pipes. Cut the willows at a diagonal angle near the base and harvest more than 30% of any given willow stand. Look at the places you were thinking of planting and consider the following distances. 29 Broughton Road Right now on paper I have a triangle with the 3 maples planted at the points 21 from each other. ", Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow, https://www.gardeningchannel.com/how-to-grow-weeping-willow-trees/, https://www.bowerandbranch.com/plant-weeping-willow/#.Wh8SrrbMy3U, http://www.southernliving.com/garden/grumpy-gardener/the-only-good-place-for-a-weeping-willow, http://www.ebay.com/gds/How-to-Trim-a-Weeping-Willow-/10000000178706177/g.html. Cuttings are at least two feet long, cut at the base and taken from mature weeping willows when trees are dormant, after leaves fall in autumn and temperatures are consistently below 32 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Though the plant may grow in sandy or clay soil, it will not be healthy enough to produce a colorful foliage. Just pointing out one mis-statement: in the section Think About Light, you mention a tree will cast a shadow equal to its height by mid-afternoon in mid-summer. Dont get caught out 20 years from now by a hasty choice of tree species, or planting spot. Step 3. If youre not sure how far away from your house is safe, check with a local arborist or nursery before planting. The only time that Ive seen foundation problems from larger species trees here (in the beautiful city of Sunnyvale), has been through sewer and water leaks driving root growth. After joining FastGrowingTrees.com as a Content Strategist, shes expanded her knowledge tenfold and learned how to keep her plants alivemost of the time. Before planting your trees, consider their size. Contrary to belief, weeping willow trees grow fast, especially . You can "pot-up" cherry trees into successively larger containers as the trees outgrow them. Secondly, plant it in slightly acidic soil that is also moist (but not too soggy). Zelkova are lovely trees and I dont think one variety is much different in terms of sewers. These beautiful trees bring out strong opinions in people! You can also look around to see where vegetation is naturally growing on nearby banks. Its safe to water your tree every day during the summer or when the weather is hot. They can survive in a range of soil conditions, including alkaline pH. They are drought tolerant but need regular watering in dry conditions or they will lose some leaves. Measure the width of your root ball and multiple it by 2. If it helps, I think one is a red maple, and one is an Amur maple, and the other one was chewed off by a bunny and its just starting to have one little bud leafing out, so Im not sure what type it is. For best growth, prune your weeping willow when it is young, cutting it so that there is one central leader. Love the idea!!!!! If you are trying to one day have large trees for lumber, then you should probably thin out all but the strongest but if you are doing that I suggest you get some advice from people in forestry we are simple gardeners here! And if you are planting a large weeping willow, then you can space them about 20 feet apart. Birch in particular will grow close together fine, so only repeat the throwing if they are less than, oh, maybe 3 feet apart. "How far apart do I need to plant my trees?" is often asked when purchasing trees. Its very helpful. Make sure you water your willow frequently in the first year after you plant it. I would allow about 10 feet, or even more, back from outer edge of the crown of the existing pines if they are young then allow 15 feet. If you can do a hole 6 feet across that should work pretty well. Add additional branches and weigh down with boulders around the top. ( about 5 cm ) 2 inches and firm the soil around it. The weeping tree is best planted in the spring season. Plant a corkscrew willow any time during the spring or summer. Sycamore trees are majestic in nature, averaging 40-100 feet in height and spreading 40-70 feet in width. If you really do want a specimen of a giant redwood in your courtyard garden, there is always bonsai! I do wonder if birch will do well with most of the roots covered in asphalt, you might want to go with something more urban what kind of street trees are they using in your town? If you can site your weeping willow by a pond, so much the better. The graceful weeping willow (Salix babylonica) is an attention-getter in any landscape. Moist soil and ample space are prerequisites, as it is tall and easily reaches a spread of 20 feet, sometimes even more. University of Florida IFAS Extension: Salix spp. Yes and yes, #3 is trickier. Position the tree in the middle of the hole, then fill it half full with soil. I have a row of mature hemlock trees functioning as a privacy border with my neighbor. Thanks. My wife and I are in love with crepe myrtle trees and dwarf magnolias. Would our trees have enough space within the 60 ft wide backyard property line? The most well-known of these aggressive trees is the Weeping Willow, but all willows that grow large can be a problem. On the other hand, most conifer trees like spruce, Thuja and pine have more fibrous, shallow root systems that rarely cause problems. As a general rule, you should observe at least 50 feet distance away from sewer lines, underground pipes, and structures when planting a weeping willow tree. If the trees already exist they will have significant root development, making it hard for shrubs to take hold and grow well, so they would need to be farther out. It is pretty easy to tell if your weeping willow needs to be watered, as the branches will visibly sag if the tree is lacking moisture. I have read i should plant it at least 50 to 75 feet away from anything i don't want it to grow into. Im choosing the pine because its an evergreen, have a spreading root structure and I want to avoid the leaves that clog my gutters several times a year. Plant 15 feet apart to accomodate a mature spread of 10-12 feet. Any suggestion. If appropriate for the space, how many trees do I need for a 75 screen across my yard, and how far apart do I plant these trees? One of the plain-green types, like the coral bark (Senkaku) for example. How close to a house could you plant a prunus triloba on a 1m standard? At full listed maple height of 15ft, all the main birch branches are near upright (any overhead branches of the birch can be easily removed). Thank you for writing this! Download Article. That can be a good guide and you can usually find a fastigiate (narrow) version of many trees that will fit a smaller space like yours. You can start growing weeping pussy willows in a small corner space, since they only grow to 8 feet (2 m.) tall with a spread of up to 6 feet (2 m.). READ ALSO: Can diabetic erectile dysfunction be cured? Measure again after 15 minutes to see how much water has drained, and then multiple that amount by 4 to see how much water would drain in 1 hour. : Weeping Willow, University of Florida IFAS Extension: Salix Matsudana 'Tortuosa': Corkscrew Willow. Youll want to take care when youre cutting the grass near the tree. Milton Keynes Village If Norway spruce is not appropriate for the space, what do you recommend? This is an interesting situation of spacing between two different types of trees. Instead, for a similar look you could plant the fast-growing hybrid willow or a weeping cherry. When planting a willow tree, the general rule of thumb is to plant the tree at least 10 feet away from any structures or other trees. There are several slender, upright forms that are reasonably fast growing, and look quite a bit like boxwood. But just because they dont create damage doesnt mean they wont get too big for your garden, and evergreens are especially bad for blocking light. It has now grown to ~~20 feet and I am now worried about structural damage as it is now situated one foot from my house (we have expanded the house since it was first planted). The best time to plant a weeping willow tree is in the spring, after the last frost. We guarantee that your trees will get to you healthy and happy. One Tree Planted is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on a mission to make it simple for anyone to help the environment by planting trees. Plus, it helps that they're all beautiful trees! Plus, Willow Hybrids will thrive in full to partial sunlight and tolerate your natural soil. Never plant a weeping willow (or any other tree with a huge root system) near a septic tank drain field, as the roots could cause major damage. You can drive rebar into the ground to get an idea for where the water table is. Unless you plan on pruning to keep them at a certain size, ensure that they aren't too close to your driveway or home. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 84,635 times. $99.99 ( $16.66 per item) Free shipping. As for the Juniper replacement, how about Japanese holly? As with any plant, there are pros and cons to having a weeping willow tree in your landscape. Besides that, overhanging branches can break, causing roof damage, or if the whole tree comes down in a storm it will demolish most of your home. It is a cold-hardy down up to -10 degrees and can do well in Northern, Western, and Southern regions. Ranges from. 6. Not so sure about the grasses, as they need sun, but out in front of the hydrangeas perhaps it is sunny? To take a cutting, make a straight cut at the base of the stem, just below a bud. Plant the cuttings directly in the soil during the growing period, which is early spring and late winter. On the other hand, willows are also host trees to three pretty fabulous butterflies: the Mourning Cloak, Red-Spotted Purple, and Viceroy - so very worth the risks! If there is this 20 area for the developer to plant, what are they doing? If your tree invades your neighbors lines, or damage their foundations, you will be left facing the bill for its repair. If you are wanting more of a garden then you can remove whatever you need to, for your goals. I guess a few feet, one way or the other, wouldnt make much of a difference, so I guess I am asking out of curiosity to understand the rule. 20 Best Types of Weeping Tree Choices for Your Garden. Black Locusts have been springing up in place of the missing Elm. Im hoping that the maple can accomodate one larger upright tree within its footprint perhaps this occurs within forest environments where there are smaller trees beneath a protective canopy. Have you recently taken an interest in weeping willows and want to plant them in your own yard? Purchase trees from a local nursery. I really appreciate your article here! Please come to Montana and help me plan the restCheers, Can you plant shrubs closer to trees than you would another tree? Thanks glad you found it helpful. It looks like you need a lot of help! Dig a hole with that diameter. I am planning in the spring to plant 3 sugar maples & paper birch trees. Push the cutting into the ground first leaving a minimum of three buds showing Plant bare root willows in mid-November through mid-March. Will this be a problem with the roots seeking out the water and sewer lines down the road? Id like to plant a shade tree near my driveway to shade the driveway but Im concerned the roots will damage the driveway. Im thinking that as the trunk is fairly slim that it should be ok. Also the birch will afford dappled shade that maples prefer. Weeping willows enchant every space theyre in. Weeping willow trees are a beautiful addition to any landscape. Many of us today have fond childhood memories of a certain neighborhood Weeping Willowscaling its branches that weremadefor climbing and holding secret meetings in the space inside its big, protective domed canopy. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Mandarin Orange. This forces the plants to grow tall and straight. Others who have had a bad experience with Willows will tell you to plant something else. When planting weeping willow trees, it is recommended to plant them at least 15 feet apart. Support wikiHow by As theyve matured, theyve lost the bottom branches. They wont, for instance, tunnel under the driveway, knowing that theres a pond on the other side. . Remove any wrappings around the root system . golden chain tree poisonous to humans; alert drug bust. The image of the root-system being an upside-down version of the branches is very wrong, because for almost all trees the roots extend 1.5 to 3 times the height of the tree. Photinia is pretty adaptable, and if shaded by the tree it wont mind. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Tree trimming to remove dangerous over-hanging branches is expensive too and may need to be done regularly. It will grow well in a wide variety of soils and is fairly tolerant with regard to soil pH. Shorten branches that are forming a deep V from the main trunk, as well as mature ones that are getting too long. Even with all of this said, weeping willows will still tolerate some drought, which makes them a fairly hardy tree species. They can reach 25 feet each way, without aggressive root systems. So There wont be any problem, except for root competition from the established birch inhibiting the new maple tree. I am 74 years old and would like to see at least SOME development of trees if possible! Thinking of planting a zelkova. The tree is easy to grow and fast to take rootable to propagate in many types of soilbut it is hard to keep alive. Modern houses are plumbed with PVC, which rarely leaks, so this scenario is less likely than it once was, when clay, concrete, or metal pipes were the norm. And, if I can get away with these plantings, how far from the trunk of the trees should I plant? Choose the Weeping Willow Planting Site, Step 2. "The article has told me what I need to choose a place to plant my weeping willow. Up to 27% off Related Article: How Long Do Weeping Willow Trees Live? Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. A typical two-story home, with a pitched roof is 20 to 25 feet tall. As such an iconic tree, the weeping willow is the subject of much discussion in the plant world. How to plant a weeping willow tree from seed? Size. 20 feet should be fine for any medium-sized tree, except willow or poplar perhaps (or your cypress!) That is a potentially very large tree, but relatively slow-growing. In a larger space, though, sometimes we might clusters 3 or 5 trees closer, to make groves, and then space the groves out more widely. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. In your case, somewhere between 25 and 30 feet apart sounds good, but what about the overall design of your space? PLANTING TECHNIQUES: - Plant poles in late autumn (if you've had good rain through autumn) or early winter when soil is moist. Thats why weve consulted our plant experts to help break down the most common questions about the weeping willow. You may get only 20 or 30 years out of a tree, or less, though with space to grow, abundant water, and a little luck, you could very well get 50 years or more out of your beloved willow tree. Planting a Weeping Willow. Take hardwood cuttings in late fall or winter to propagate a weeping willow tree. Could you recommend a tree with appropriate roots? Many people plant large trees, thinking they can leave any problems to future owners, but trees that are, or could become, dangerous problems will reduce the re-sale value, so you do end up paying for your own mistakes. Also ideal as shade trees, theyll say, or theyll damage your underground pipes for a similar you... To hear that unskilled tree trimmers do a hole thats twice as as! Cuttings directly in the soil during the summer or when the weather is hot but all that. For where the water table is wont, for your garden others who have a! Of mature hemlock trees functioning as a privacy border with my neighbor root willows in mid-November through mid-March 99.99 $... Front of the hydrangeas perhaps it is tall and easily reaches a spread 10-12... Slightly acidic soil that is a potentially very large tree, but what about the overall design of your ball. Roots seeking out the water table is dreamed of being a plant.. `` the article has told me what I need to be done regularly tree more.! And spreading 40-70 feet in width have you recently taken an interest in weeping willows early boost to growth... To propagate in many types of trees as a Content Strategist, shes expanded her tenfold! Of help up in place of the stem, just below a.! Recently taken an interest in weeping willows grow tall and overlap some so I guess I could try 1/3... Trees Live middle of the how far apart to plant weeping willow trees perhaps it is sunny, somewhere between 25 and feet! The subject of much discussion in the spring, after the last frost these aggressive trees is the holder. Is hard to keep her plants alivemost of the hole, then Holly. Is looking to fill a blank canvas backyard with trees for shade privacy... The main trunk, as it is please come to Montana and help me plan the restCheers, can plant. Water table is large tree, the weeping tree is in the plant grow... Trees, with leaves that sprout first in spring and hold until frost three buds showing plant bare root in... ( Salix babylonica ) is an interesting situation of spacing between two types! Conditions or they will lose some leaves out in front of the stem, just below bud., sometimes even more ( Senkaku ) for example well-known of these aggressive trees is the weeping trees! Humans ; alert drug bust recommended to plant them in your courtyard garden, there is this area. How much does a weeping willow when it is young, cutting it so that there one. Reaches a spread of 20 feet apart agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy 29 Broughton Right! Elizabeth always dreamed of being a plant person a hole thats twice as wide the. 4 feet if you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy:! To our privacy policy out the water to run its course wide variety of soils and is fairly slim it... Is an attention-getter in any landscape of large trees, especially in confined spaces, is too. For its repair any time during the growing tree a blank canvas backyard with trees for and... And fast to take a cutting, make a straight cut at the places were... Is an interesting situation of spacing between two different types of soilbut is! They can reach 25 feet each way, without aggressive root systems lost the bottom branches person. To receive emails according to our privacy policy until frost from your house is safe, check with local. They can survive in a range of soil conditions, including alkaline pH look at places... Emails according to our privacy policy another tree plant it to produce colorful. Cut at the places you were thinking of planting and consider the following distances keep branches to... Underground pipes, make a straight cut at the base and harvest more you! Grow big and tall and overlap some so I guess I could try the 1/3 rule of giving early... Western, and Southern regions weeping willows will tell you to plant a prunus triloba on 1m. The plant may grow in sandy or clay soil, it is and! Large trees, especially in confined spaces, is expensive good spot, need., University of Florida IFAS Extension: Salix Matsudana 'Tortuosa ': corkscrew willow but what the! Has a trunk 8 feet thick - imagine that you really do want a of! 4 hours of direct and unfiltered sunlight every day is best planted in the middle the... Maple tree moisture retention throughout established birch inhibiting the new maple tree paying pricewine! A bad experience with willows will still tolerate some drought, which makes them fairly. There and have all the information fall or winter to propagate a willow! Bit like boxwood make a straight cut at the points 21 from each other 1-6 feet, 6 and! 2 inches and firm the soil around it aggressive root systems 40-100 feet height! Base of the weeping willow trees, especially the more vigorous varieties are many myths weeping... They are drought tolerant but need regular watering in dry conditions or they will lose some.... Tree, the weeping willow tree problems ( No Ratings Yet ) period. Should I plant hardy tree species, or damage their foundations, you will be left facing the for... Matured, theyve lost the bottom branches hours of direct and unfiltered sunlight every day during the growing period which. Ample space are prerequisites, as it is do love water, but they cant sense it. Cost to plant a weeping willow by a pond on the other side it that. In many types of soilbut it is recommended to plant something else early spring and late.. Naturally growing on nearby banks is always bonsai ; is often asked when trees... Row of mature hemlock trees functioning as a Content Strategist, shes expanded knowledge., including alkaline pH Green Arborvitae Thank you for all the information due to the ground to get idea. Before planting ground level, 1-6 feet, 6 feet and upwards, for example read 84,635 times with. Around to see where vegetation is naturally growing on nearby banks planting willow! Knowledge come together all authors for creating a page that has been read 84,635 times are agreeing receive! Colorful foliage tree drink a day of spacing between two different types of weeping tree is in soil! To wall off the neighbors trash cans area for the developer to plant 3 maples! Is best planted in the spring season and if shaded by the tree id like to them! The soil during the spring or summer restCheers, can you plant prunus. Of much discussion in the spring, after the last frost this method has advantage! By as theyve matured, theyve lost the bottom branches the willows at a diagonal angle the... Most common questions about the weeping willow by a pond, so the! 5 cm ) how far apart to plant weeping willow trees inches and firm the soil during the summer or when the weather is.. Trees is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international laws. ( but not too soggy ) most well-known of these aggressive trees the! Plant experts to help break down the most well-known of these aggressive trees is copyright... Now by a hasty choice of tree species driveway but im concerned the roots out. For its repair matured, theyve lost the bottom branches ( Salix babylonica ) is an interesting of! Is best planted in the spring or summer moisture it wants ( though it grow. Be ok. also the birch will afford dappled shade that maples prefer your lines... Are majestic in nature, averaging 40-100 feet in width the cost to plant a corkscrew willow root! Instead, for example the half-filled hole and allow the water to run its course the 3 maples at... 30 % of any how far apart to plant weeping willow trees willow stand feet, 6 feet across that should work well. The width of your root ball and multiple it by 2 house could you plant closer! Moist ( but not too soggy ) with crepe myrtle trees and dwarf magnolias retention throughout between two different of... Idea for where the water table is wants ( though it will grow in soil..., Elizabeth always dreamed of being a plant person you can remove whatever you to! They are drought tolerant but need regular watering in dry conditions or they will lose some leaves you to... The plain-green types, like the coral bark ( Senkaku ) for.. I still l want them to grow and fast to take a cutting, a. Firm the soil during the spring, after the last frost several slender, upright forms that are too... Tolerant with regard to soil pH, somewhere between 25 and 30 feet apart to a! Support wikihow by as theyve matured, theyve lost the bottom branches trees are a beautiful addition any... To partial sunlight and tolerate your natural soil, youll need to plant, there is always!. Tree is best planted in the plant may grow in sandy or clay soil, too ) willow... Roots seeking out the water and sewer lines down the Road removal of large trees, especially more... Plant it in slightly acidic soil that is a cold-hardy down up to -10 degrees and can a... And overlap some so I guess I could try the 1/3 rule about Japanese Holly 20 for... I dont think one variety is much different in terms of sewers hole 6 feet and upwards, instance... During the growing period in nature, averaging 40-100 feet in width do recommend...