Willows have an impressive appearance, are robust, winter-proof and undemanding. You can also use the leaves and bark for physical ailments and weave baskets or fences from the canes. So it's the perfect tree for your own garden, isn't it? Here you will find out what is important when planting a willow on private property.
Is a willow tree suitable for your own garden?
Willows are suitable for gardens with sufficient space (approx.20 meters in diameter) and optimal site conditions such as proximity to water, moist to wet, nutrient-rich and loose soil, and a sunny location. If there is a lack of space, small-growing varieties or container plantings offer good alternatives.
Requirements for your garden
If you cannot provide the willow with enough space, the deciduous tree is unfortunately ruled out as a plant for your garden. Both the crown and the underground root system take on enormous dimensions after a short time. Be sure to plan for a diameter of around 20 meters. At this distance there should be no buildings, sidewalks or plants that could die due to insufficient light due to the shady pasture.
Selection of location
However, if your garden meets this requirement, you need to find the right location. The following conditions are optimal:
- best near water
- moist to wet soil
- slightly acidic to neutral soil
- nutrient-rich soil
- loose soil
- sunny location
Small varieties
If there is not enough space, it is also possible to cultivate a willow in a bucket. We recommend
- the hanging kitten willow
- or the Harlequin Willow
There are also small varieties:
- Creeping Willow
- Rosemary Willow
- Net willow
- Ground cover willow
- Purple Willow
- Wool Willow
- Engadin Weide
- Ear of willow
Care
Cutting
Whether in a container or as a free-standing tree, willows need to be cut regularly. Otherwise you will not be able to tame the pronounced growth. Most willow species are cut in spring, some varieties also in winter. Cutting is generally prohibited in summer for animal welfare reasons. It is also not advisable to cut in autumn, as the wound areas will no longer heal before winter. Due to their strong growth, willows are very tolerant of cutting and can also tolerate radical pruning.
Fertilizing and watering
Thanks to the extensive root system, the willow always has access to a water source. Only when kept in a container should you keep the substrate moist throughout. Unlike free-standing trees, you should fertilize top plants once a year with complete fertilizer as well as mulch or compost, as the container does not provide sufficient nutrients.
Ideal as a hedge plant
If cut regularly, willows are also ideal hedge plants. Braid the individual rods together to form a tight privacy screen.