Oh, how you love the look of weeping willow trees. There’s just something entrancing about the way the leaves billow in the breeze. You like the trees so much you’re considering adding one to your landscape. Before you take the plunge, you might want to get more information on the planting and care of weeping willows to ensure you are ready for the commitment.

The best time to plant a weeping willow is in the spring. Weeping willows can get quite large, very fast, with roots that spread out, sometimes three times more than the canopy. You will need an area that receives full or partial sun away from structures, power lines, concrete, septic tanks, etc. Weeping willows love water, and in fact, can help alleviate water issues in certain areas. If you have an area near water where you can plant a weeping willow, that would be ideal.

When you have a site selected, the planting of the tree will not take long. Just turn over the soil, mix in some compost and dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball. Then, place the rootball into the hole, fill around it with soil and fertilize it. Add a layer of mulch around the base and some deer repellant if needed. You will want the tree to grow straight, so stake it if necessary.

You will need to water the tree regularly for the first year, being careful to aim away from the base of the tree. You don’t want root or trunk rot. Make sure the top inches of soil are dry before watering the tree again. You should prune the tree in late winter or early spring. You want the tree to be strong, so prune away smaller branches growing toward the ground. Finally, you will need to clear away weeds and add more mulch on a regular basis.

After your weeping willow passes the three-year mark, it will require far less care. You may have to prune back some of the branches from time to time, but you will only need to water it in drought conditions.