Watering weeping willow

• Weeping willow origin
• Weeping willow care and location
• Pruning weeping willow
• Fertilizing weeping willow
• Watering weeping willow

Weeping willow origin

The weeping willow (Salix babylonica) is a deciduous tree belonging to the willow family. It is native to East Asia but is now widespread in Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. The weeping willow reaches a height of up to 20 m and is known for its long, slender branches and long, floppy appearance. It is a popular plant in parks and gardens.

In many cultures, it was revered as a sacred tree and planted in holy sites. In Greek mythology, the weeping willow was associated with the god Dionysus. Dionysus was the god of wine, fertility and ecstasy. The weeping willow was often planted in vineyards because its wood was used to make wine containers. The weeping willow was also seen as a symbol of the transience and changeability of life. In mythology, it was often used as a weeping tree because it was easy to cut and shape and its branches withered quickly.

The weeping willow is a monoecious tree that produces both male and female flowers. Flowers appear in May. The leaves of the weeping willow are long, narrow, and glossy. They are curved in shape and grow on long stems. The length of the leaves can range from 5 to 20 cm, depending on the species. The fruits of the weeping willow are capsular fruits that appear in long, slender, cylindrical capsules that hang in clusters from the branches. The capsules are about 2 to 4 cm long and contain several seeds. When immature, the capsules are green and turn brown when ripe. The seeds are small and have a narrow, flat shape. They are enclosed in the capsule and are dispersed by the wind when the capsules burst.

Care and location of the weeping willow

Weeping willows prefer moist, nutrient-rich soil, preferably in a location with ample water, such as near ponds or streams. They can thrive in full sunlight or shade, but they are more susceptible to fungal diseases and pests when grown in shade. The soil should be well-drained to prevent waterlogging.

In this article you will find general tips for Care of trees. 

Cutting the weeping willow

The weeping willow does not need to be pruned regularly, but targeted pruning can rejuvenate the plant and influence its growth form. The best time for pruning is in winter or spring before the new shoots sprout. Old and diseased branches are removed.

Fertilizing weeping willow

The weeping willow does not require regular fertilization, as it typically grows in wetlands and can absorb nutrients from the soil. However, in very dry and nutrient-poor soils, it can be beneficial to occasionally feed the plant with an organic fertilizer such as compost or horn shavings. A layer of mulch helps keep the soil moist and inhibits weed growth. Care should be taken to ensure that the mulch is not applied directly to the trunk of the weeping willow. This can lead to fungal or mold problems that can damage the tree's trunk.

Watering weeping willow

The water requirements of the weeping willow depend on various factors such as age, size, soil and climate. Rising temperatures and increasing dryness can put the weeping willow under stress. Depending on the location and the climatic situation, it may be necessary to water the weeping willow more frequently during dry periods and on days with full sun than in previous years. The weeping willow has a higher water requirement than other shrubs and trees and the soil should never dry out completely. The weeping willow should be watered with a larger amount of water instead of watering it several times in small amounts. As a guideline, a watering requirement of 75 to 100 liters and for older trees 150 to 200 liters per watering should be estimated. When watering with a garden hose, a large part of the water seeps into the soil or evaporates before it can be absorbed by the roots.

With tree bath watering bags Watering is more efficient and water is saved at the same time. Baumbad watering bags have two small holes that release water evenly into the soil over several hours as drip irrigation. This results in consistent moisture in the soil, allowing even the roots near the surface to absorb the water well. At the same time, the watering bag covers the soil, preventing water from evaporating. One Baumbad watering bag provides young trees with sufficient water. To water existing trees with a larger trunk diameter, two or three watering bags can be connected together using zippers.