One problem after another with weeping willows
One of the first articles I wrote for this blog was titled, "One tree not to plant!" I confessed that I had planted two weeping willow trees, even though I had read plenty of cautions about the headaches the tree can cause for homeowners. And sure enough, one of the trees has been a big problem and is no doubt going to die soon.
Consider this a postscript to that story. A few days ago, we had a prolonged and very strong wind and thunderstorm, as the front edge of a cold front moved in. The next morning I went out to look at the trees. No major branches were broken in any of them except -- can you guess which one? -- the weeping willow that has already broken repeatedly.
A fairly big branch is dangling high up in the tree. I don't know how we'll get it down. Even with the pruning saw that's on the end of a pole, I think it will be out of reach.
I won't tell you not to plant a weeping willow, because I understand how you might love the look of the tree. But I will tell you this -- consider carefully whether you want to deal with broken branches again and again and again throughout the short life of this tree.
Speaking from my personal experience of being a longtime weeping willow lover and now an owner, the joy of seeing the tree in my yard hardly makes up for the problems it has created.
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Thank you. I found your blog very helpful. I was considering planting one in my front yard. Why? Because like many, I think they are beautiful. If they are a hastle to maintain, then I would much rather admire them from a distance.
ReplyDeleteI understand what u r saying and your problem but where u live has some bearing on your results and fertilizer used. I am a weeping willow owner but only a few years older than a sapling. One of my neighbors up the street has a big beautiful one.
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