Tree Notes is about trees -- especially native trees, trees for wildlife, and trees in history.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Weeping willows damaged by ice

Weak wooded trees with a weak structure



I've written previously in this blog about how I love weeping willow trees and how I planted two of them for sentimental reasons, even though I knew better. (See "Weeping willow, a weak-wooded tree" and "One tree not to plant"

I planted them about a dozen years ago. They grew fast, and they were beautiful for a few years. However, they've created a problem in nearly every episode of extreme weather we've experienced.

The devastating ice storm that hit Kentucky a few days ago was particularly hard on my weeping willows. I expect that we will cut them down and spray any sprouts with Roundup. I've had the experience of owning weeping willows now, and it wasn't nearly as pleasant as I thought it would be. I don't want to repeat it.

The tree in front of them -- the undamaged one -- is a black walnut that was planted at about the same time.

More photos of the ice damage to our trees

3 comments -- please add yours:

Frank said...

Thats a shame. I recently came back from Southern NH and saw all the ice storm devastation to the trees there. And thats where the devastation really is with these storms. At times along certain roads it seemed every other tree was snapped in half.

Here's to the black walnut.

Genevieve Netz said...

Yes, if the trees had survived intact, many of the power lines would be intact also. A lady from a town just north of here told me that all the trees there look like toothpicks pointing to the sky. Their entire town has been without electricty, but I think some of it has been restored now.

Anonymous said...

My weeping willow is still intact after an ice storm deformed the shape. Im hoping to reform it in warmer weather. Anyone have an idea how to best do this?

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Enrich your life with the study of trees.

"The power to recognize trees at a glance without examining their leaves or flowers or fruit as they are seen, for example, from the car-window during a railroad journey, can only be acquired by studying them as they grow under all possible conditions over wide areas of territory. Such an attainment may not have much practical value, but once acquired it gives to the possessor a good deal of pleasure which is denied to less fortunate travelers."

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Print references I frequently consult

Benvie, Sam. Encyclopedia of North American Trees. Buffalo, NY: Firefly, 2000.

Brockman, C. Frank. Trees of North America: A Guide to Field Identification. Ed. Herbert S. Zim. New York: Golden, 1986.

Cliburn, Jerry, and Ginny Clomps. A Key to Missouri Trees in Winter: An Identification Guide. Conservation Commission of the State of Missouri, 1980.

Collingwood, G. H., Warren David Brush, and Devereux Butcher. Knowing Your Trees. Washington: American Forestry Association, 1978.

Dirr, Michael. Dirr's Hardy Trees and Shrubs: an Illustrated Encyclopedia. Portland, Or.: Timber, 1997.

Elias, Thomas S. The Complete Trees of North America; Field Guide and Natural History. New York: Book Division, Times Mirror Magazines, 1980.

Grimm, William Carey. The Book of Trees;. Harrisburg, PA: Stackpole, 1962.

Hightshoe, Gary L. Native Trees, Shrubs, and Vines for Urban and Rural America: a Planting Design Manual for Environmental Designers. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1988.

Little, Elbert L. National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Trees. New York: Chanticleer, 1996.

Martin, Alexander C., Herbert S. Zim, and Arnold L. Nelson. American Wildlife and Plants. New York: McGraw Hill, 1951.

Mitchell, Alan F., and David More. The Trees of North America. New York, NY: Facts On File Publications, 1987.

Randall, Charles E. Enjoying Our Trees. Washington: American Forestry Association, 1969.

Settergren, Carl D., and R. E. McDermott. Trees of Missouri. Columbia: University Extension, 1995.

Sternberg, Guy, and James W. Wilson. Native Trees for North American Landscapes: from the Atlantic to the Rockies. Portland: Timber, 2004.

Wharton, Mary E., and Roger W. Barbour. Trees and Shrubs of Kentucky. Lexington: University of Kentucky, 1973.

Wyman, Donald. Trees for American Gardens. New York: Macmillan, 1965.

Photos and text copyright © 2006-2013 by Genevieve L. Netz. All rights reserved. Do not republish without written permission. My e-mail address is gnetz51@gmail.com