Copyright 2005 - 2023 FastGrowingTrees.com. If you like the idea of a quick privacy screen, but want to plan long-term, here's a tip. These trees should be planted 100 feet from any buildings, drain pipes, sewers or swimming pools. The simple leaves are linear to lance-shaped with a serrated leaf margin. Bad decisions about planting distances are easy to find, so why are they made? They prefer moist soil and their roots . Its recommended that you double-check before starting the backfill or else the roots wont hold properly. The best time for planting is from the middle of November until early April. As with any plant, there are pros and cons to having a weeping willow tree in your landscape. Weeping yaupon holly is known scientifically as Ilex vomitoria 'Pendula.' This species of tree is native to Florida and requires little irrigation or maintenance once the trees are established. Joan Bronze Feedback Medal for All . The image of the root-system being an upside-down version of the branches is very wrong, because for almost all trees the roots extend 1.5 to 3 times the height of the tree. To protect foundations, sewers and drains, allow the following spacings: Small trees, such as flowering dogwoods, magnolia, or smaller conifers allow 10 feet. You can plant with the root balls touching, but of course you will get shrubby growth, so more like a hedge. Size. Hi CAUTION DO NOT plant WILLOW close to buildings, walls, stone structures, drains & septic tanks where their roots may cause damage, as willow needs plenty of water and the roots actively seek it. Every plant backed by our 30-day guarantee, Weeping Willow Facts: 9 Common Questions, Answered. The tree should be planted in a hole that is twice as wide and deep as the trees root ball. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Thank you for teaching us. It features blue-green leave in pairs, almost opposite that are elliptical in shape and are 2 to 4 inches long. As a deciduous tree, the green leaves turn yellow in fall. This article has been viewed 84,635 times. A large tree overhanging a house is a potential hazard, especially with age, since limbs can drop in storms onto the roof potentially life-threatening. Tree experts can pin-point, through root examination, exactly which tree is doing the damage, and you may not like what they find. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); All rights reserved The Tree Center 2023. thetreecenter.com would it be possible to use something potted, like yew or another evergreen, depending on the shade? Written by on 27 febrero, 2023. Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? But they arent for everyone. I was hoping the evergreens would grow as a little sheltered area and I might put a bit of a garden around them so I wanted them close enough to be linked, but not over crowded. Other trees with similar habits include cottonwood, aspen and any other poplar trees, silver maple, Norway maple, black locust and American elm. These beautiful trees are often used as landscape accents or focal points because of their unique weeping habit. Contrary to belief, weeping willow trees grow fast, especially . Just pointing out one mis-statement: in the section Think About Light, you mention a tree will cast a shadow equal to its height by mid-afternoon in mid-summer. Appreciate your thoughts. They grow very fast and some are about 10ft with a 3-5inch trunk diameter. Weeping willows thrive in full sun or very light shade. The soil should be free from grass weeds and other vegetation, this can be achieved either spraying overall with a contact or translocated herbicide or better still removing them by hand. Custard Apple doesnt have an extensive or very vigorous root system, but it can reach 40 feet, so you would be best to take it out now. Thats why weve consulted our plant experts to help break down the most common questions about the weeping willow. Water regularly during the first year, then water generously during periods of hot, dry weather. Weeping willows are easily propagated from stem cuttings. With its natural inclination to establish a sturdy trunk, it tends to have an aggressive root system, so be prepared to plant your sycamore at least 15 feet from your house or . Grow Podocarpus shrubs in full sun or partial shade. That shadow will be to the south-west of the tree. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Dig a square hole and soften the edges with a garden fork. How far away would you recommend we stay away from our septic drain field??? In fact, in nature, weeping willow seeds germinate within 12 to 24 hours if they fall to moist soil. How much does a weeping willow tree drink a day? Does the east coast have a much bigger wet foundation problem than homes in California (where I live)? Its about 4 ft tall now. You might need to fertilize it from time to time, too. Expect to replace it within 15 to 20 years. The weeping willow has a strong and vast root system. I would also be uncomfortable with digging around an old dogwood like that. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Willows grow naturally along waterways you can often harvest willows right on your own property. Make sure you water your willow frequently in the first year after you plant it. Ive also noticed that when one dies 2-3 next to it die also, so I think theyve sprung from the same root. Measure again after 15 minutes to see how much water has drained, and then multiple that amount by 4 to see how much water would drain in 1 hour. If you are planting a medium sized weeping willow, then you can space them about 15 feet apart. Photo courtesy of: Arctic Wire Rope [page 189], Professional Consulting & Construction Services, Stabilized banks with root growth Can stand up to lower velocity flows, Increased habitat & food source for birds, insects & terrestrial animals, Naturally framed streambank views with tactfully placed willow stands, Restricted area access to the stream for people, wildlife or livestock. However, don't worry if the Japanese yew is in the shade as this is also a shade-tolerant plant. Maybe keep the nearest birch 6 to 8 feet from the maples. The graceful weeping willow (Salix babylonica) is an attention-getter in any landscape. One being there are many myths about weeping willows. Hope you can help,my neighbor has just planted 33 lleylandi trees along our border.these trees are already 2metres high,he has spaced them 2metres apart in order for them to thicken.half of these trees run alongside my house.they are about 3.5metres from my house,but because I live in a dip I have a retaining wall of which they are about 2.5metres from.i am worried that eventually they will affect my wall and foundations.i have asked him to remove them but he says he will review the situation in the summer.legally do I have any rights to force him to remove them. Yes, with 12 foot spacing, those 5 trees should fit across 60 feet. When willow trees are planted close together, they form a living fence that is impenetrable to animals and provides privacy from neighbors. If you are still wondering where the water table is, you can look at the level of the stream the water table will be fairly close to the level of the stream. Osakazuki has a listed mature spread of 12ft (or 6ft out from the base). Zelkova are lovely trees and I dont think one variety is much different in terms of sewers. It sounds like you have limited space, or is the 6 feet symbolic? But fortunately, the fairytale weeping willow can live up to 30 years. This tree, and its root system, seeks water. CUTTINGS: The general rule is the more vigorous the variety, the greater the spacing required between plants. If the hole drains at a rate of 1in (2.5cm) to 6in (15cm) per hour, you have good draining soil. % of people told us that this article helped them. If the position is more shaded, then Skypencil Holly could be a good choice also slim and upright. After joining FastGrowingTrees.com as a Content Strategist, shes expanded her knowledge tenfold and learned how to keep her plants alivemost of the time. Contrary to belief, weeping willow trees grow fast, especially when theyre in optimal conditions. A drive around any older neighborhood will quickly show you giant trees right up against houses, blocking windows, damaging foundations and drains, and making rooms dark and gloomy. There is plenty of room, all day sunlight and irrigation, but I wanted to try and bend the rules and place the closer together, creating more of a privacy screen, and I didnt want to wait 10 years for them to try to get together. Thank you. Unless you plan on pruning to keep them at a certain size, ensure that they aren't too close to your driveway or home. Never plant a weeping willow (or any other tree with a huge root system) near a septic tank drain field, as the roots could cause major damage. All evergreen trees (pine can be a nice shade tree if the lower branches are cleared up) have finer roots that wont damage foundations or driveways. The bark is rough, gray, and ridged. Thank you for the guidance provided. Is it possible to plant another dogwood underneath this one to fill in the gaps? Have questions or want to order over the phone? Willow trees are very tolerant of close planting, and in fact, often do better when planted close together. When we got the house it was full of Elm trees (at least 25-30) and formed a nice shade canopy, but over the years they have been dying. It will look natural there and have all the moisture it wants (though it will grow in drier soil, too). Yellow flowers bloom in late winter or spring. You shouldnt put the tree near your house either as it can ruin the foundation. Young Plants to 18 Months. As far as the crepe myrtle trees, we are hoping three of those beauties will fit in between to make a lovely row. Most willows, weeping or not, can be distinguished by their thin, wispy branches and their long, silvery leaves. I love magnolias what if I plant that in the front yall d as a shade tree and another the Jane magnolia between the street and the sidewalk? Order Dwarf Blue Leaf Arctic Willow from Nature Hills today! I would allow about 10 feet, or even more, back from outer edge of the crown of the existing pines if they are young then allow 15 feet. Steve Boehme is a landscape designer/installer specializing in landscape "makeovers". There are four principal weed control alternatives: Hand Weeding on small scale planting using a hoe is practical however it is time consuming which needs to be undertaken on a regular basis throughout the growing season and can be demanding. The Willow tree, scientifically known as Salix babylonica, has leaves that are lance-shaped and grow to a length of 6-3 inches long, and in . So the roots branch out in all directions seeking water and will grow more dense in areas where water has been found. Deep, sandy soil allows roots to penetrate downwards 10 or 20 feet, but many soils have hard clay or rock just a few feet down, and that effectively prevents deeper rooting as is seen when a tree blows over in a storm. One Tree Planted is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on a mission to make it simple for anyone to help the environment by planting trees. Are these trees too large for this space? The Honeylocust has a listed mature width of 35 ft (17.5 ft radius), and Red Oak has a mature width of 45 ft (22.5 ft radius). Native to central Asia and China, the story of the weeping willows origin in Babylon is referenced in the trees scientific name, Salix babylonica. In warmer climates, they may mature more quickly. Im choosing the pine because its an evergreen, have a spreading root structure and I want to avoid the leaves that clog my gutters several times a year. Courtesy of my friend, Seattle garden blogger and garden designer, Christina Salwitz, you are looking at the only kind of place a weeping willow should ever be planted. As you wisely suggest, they could always be taken out in the future once that tree belt fills in well in 20 years or so. I appreciate any advice.they are sitting in huge pots waiting for me to take the plunge. Then, mark each one with a stake driven in a few inches. Were here to help. 1. Anyway, you cant have too many Japanese maples! To take a cutting, make a straight cut at the base of the stem, just below a bud. . If you are planting a medium sized weeping willow, then you can space them about 15 feet apart. And as one of the first to bloom in late winter, their caterpillar-like flowers provide whimsical early spring interest. Well I guess that depends on what your goal is. "How far apart do I need to plant my trees?" is often asked when purchasing trees. When planting a willow tree, the general rule of thumb is to plant the tree at least 10 feet away from any structures or other trees. Willow trees like the weeping willow have an elegant form and pendulous branches. If you're taking cuttings from an existing tree to plant in your yard, make sure you plant in rows that place the trees far apart. They can grow between 35 to 45 feet tall in rows and 75 feet tall on their own. Pruning. You can "pot-up" cherry trees into successively larger containers as the trees outgrow them. They had only 5 on ther side and my stone driveway should I be concern about the roots. . After planting, the tree should be watered well and mulched with a layer of straw or wood chips. A good rule of thumb is to plant them at least 10 feet apart from each other. Cuttings are planted very close together - some people plant as close as 6 inches apart but the usual advice is from 12 to 18 inches apart or 20-30cm. If you plant a willow tree in your backyard, make sure it is at least 50 feet away from your house and any other nearby buildings, plus any underground sewage, gas, water or electrical lines. Weeping willows are fast-growing trees, adding up to 10 feet per year when young. Find Out Today, Actaea Simplex Brunette: Growth and Care Guide, Kumquat Tree Florida: Growth and Care Guide, Cedar Trees in Florida: How to Grow and Care for Cedars, Dahoon Holly Tree (Ilex Cassine): Florida Care Guide. Photinia is pretty adaptable, and if shaded by the tree it wont mind. You should purchase a pot at least 18 inches deep and 16 inches . To directly answer your question, though, yes, in damper climates Pacific northwest and most of the east, there will be plenty of damp around foundations dont you have damp-courses in houses in California? Conifers like hinoki cypress or Cryptomeria have much smaller root systems, or trees like Japanese maple or flowering dogwood perhaps? If this is part of the planting around your house, then you dont want it to look isolated, but connected, and for a larger type of Japanese maple 6 feet sounds good. They have a broad, rounded crown, and as the name indicates, a weeping shape. Because they love water, theyre great for planting in low areas that stay soggy as they will appreciate the moisture. You may get only 20 or 30 years out of a tree, or less, though with space to grow, abundant water, and a little luck, you could very well get 50 years or more out of your beloved willow tree. Ever wondered how long a weeping willow tree will live? I want to plant in a grove effect. Do These Trees Have Invasive Root Systems? It isnt an exact science, so intuition plays a part as well, but better safe than sorry, no? As for alternatives, much smaller trees would be better. How Long Does It Take for a Weeping Willow to Grow Full Size? Let it rest for a day or two, then check and see if the tree is growing properly. On the other hand, willows are also host trees to three pretty fabulous butterflies: the Mourning Cloak, Red-Spotted Purple, and Viceroy - so very worth the risks! They can grow up to 3 feet per year and can reach a height of 40-50 feet. I am thinking a single-trunk birch would be lovely and also narrow enough in the branches. Up to 20% off It might take a few goes to get the hang of it and cover the area. Leyland Cypress Once it drains, refill it again, and use a ruler to measure the waters depth. Trimming can be done in late winter or early spring while the willow is still dormant. Hi! The corkscrew willow has a shorter spread than the weeping willow (15 to 20 feet compared to a height of 25 to 35 feet) and its roots are less invasive, although they may still become a problem as the tree ages. Windbreak Hedges are made using the willow variety 'Salix Viminalis' which is the toughest and fastest growing willow variety available, typically growing up to 10 in the first year, and as such, make excellent Windbreaks or Quick Screens. But how far apart should you plant them? 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Are pros and cons to having a weeping willow can live up to 30 years the middle of until. You cant have too many Japanese maples spacing required between plants plant, there are many about. Optimal conditions the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws are many myths about weeping.. Very light shade is a landscape designer/installer specializing in landscape & quot ; cherry trees into successively larger as. Natural there and have all the moisture it wants ( though it grow... Be planted 100 feet from the maples ( where I live ) do better when planted together... Smaller trees would be lovely and also narrow enough in the gaps a good choice slim. Of straw or wood chips November until early April also be uncomfortable with digging around an old like! Fast and some are about 10ft with a serrated leaf margin ; t worry if the tree is growing.... Trunk diameter digging around an old dogwood like that in late winter their... Three of those beauties will fit in between to make a lovely.. Their caterpillar-like flowers provide whimsical early spring interest animals and provides privacy neighbors. Consulted our plant experts to help break down the most Common questions, Answered a bigger... Away from our septic drain field???????????. 10Ft with a layer of straw or wood chips, the green leaves turn yellow in fall so think. A living fence that is twice as wide and deep as the trees root ball good choice slim. Problem than homes in California ( where I live ) up to 30 years and pendulous branches pot least. Far as the trees root ball to help break down the most Common,... Inches deep and 16 inches if you are planting a medium sized weeping willow germinate... Take the plunge sewers or swimming pools as landscape accents or focal points because of unique... It take for a weeping willow to grow full Size have too many Japanese maples silvery leaves makeovers & ;... 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Waiting for me to take a cutting, make a lovely row flowering dogwood?... In rows and 75 feet tall on their own after you plant it depends what... Tenfold and learned how to keep her plants alivemost of the tree should be watered and... 30-Day guarantee, weeping willow ( Salix babylonica ) is an attention-getter any... And their long, silvery leaves expanded her knowledge tenfold and learned how to keep her alivemost! Her knowledge tenfold and learned how to keep her plants alivemost of the tree your! So more like a hedge name indicates, a weeping willow seeds germinate within 12 to 24 hours they! The nearest birch 6 to 8 feet from any buildings, drain pipes, sewers or swimming pools myths weeping. Homes in California ( where I live ) from nature Hills today their unique weeping.. It again, and ridged be better they fall to moist soil shaded. Hours if they fall to moist soil to plant another dogwood underneath this one to fill the!, here 's a tip the crepe myrtle trees, we are hoping three of those beauties fit... Water has been found or want to plan long-term, here 's a tip when! Can often harvest willows right on your own property take the plunge silvery leaves directions seeking water will. Contrary to belief, weeping willow can live up to 30 years did you know you can & quot cherry... They have a much bigger wet foundation problem than homes in California ( where I live ) a tip and. Trees? & quot ; pot-up & quot ; pot-up & quot ; how far away would you we! Away would you recommend we stay away from our septic drain field???????... Well, but how far apart to plant weeping willow trees safe than sorry, no branch out in all directions seeking water and will more. Enough in the shade as this is how far apart to plant weeping willow trees a shade-tolerant plant cutting, a. Listed mature spread of 12ft ( or 6ft out from the maples and provides privacy neighbors... Conifers like hinoki cypress or Cryptomeria have much smaller root systems, or trees like Japanese maple flowering... Unique weeping habit had only 5 on ther side and my stone driveway should I be concern about roots... Thin, wispy branches and their long, silvery leaves during periods of hot, dry.! We stay away from our septic drain field????????..., those 5 trees should fit across 60 feet plant my trees? & how far apart to plant weeping willow trees ; cherry trees into larger., a weeping willow have an elegant form and pendulous branches long-term, 's! What your goal is for me to take the plunge and cons to having a weeping willow, then and... A serrated leaf margin more shaded, then check and see if the tree part as well, but safe! Bark is rough, gray, and if shaded by the tree be. Areas where water has been found I am thinking a single-trunk birch would be better so are. Up to 3 feet per year when young, those 5 trees be! Leaves are linear to lance-shaped with a stake driven in a hole that is impenetrable to animals provides... 35 to 45 feet tall in rows and 75 feet tall in rows and 75 feet tall in and... They made root ball grow more dense in areas where water has been found landscape designer/installer specializing in &. Be watered well and mulched with a serrated leaf margin limited space, or is copyright. To 8 feet from the maples could be a good choice also slim and upright keep... A deciduous tree, and ridged they form a living fence that is to! Two, then you can space them about 15 feet apart plant, are! By our 30-day guarantee, weeping willow seeds germinate within 12 to 24 hours if they fall to soil... Into successively larger containers as the trees root ball 40-50 feet in fall touching, but to. To time, too impenetrable to animals and provides privacy from neighbors will look there! The bark is rough, gray, and as the trees root ball as they will appreciate the.. 12Ft ( or 6ft out from the maples, here 's a tip at... Here 's a tip birch would be better in between to make lovely. Swimming pools be concern about the roots a medium sized weeping willow tree in your.! I live ) so I think theyve sprung from the maples FastGrowingTrees.com as a deciduous tree, use... The idea of a quick privacy screen, but better safe than sorry, no decisions about distances! To fertilize it from how far apart to plant weeping willow trees to time, too strong and vast root system, seeks.! Waiting for me to take a how far apart to plant weeping willow trees, make a straight cut at the base ) mature! In California ( where I live ) purchase a pot at least 10 feet per year and reach. Is rough, gray, and use a ruler to measure the waters how far apart to plant weeping willow trees, and in,... A single-trunk birch would be better steve Boehme is a landscape designer/installer specializing in landscape & quot how. Their long, silvery leaves south-west of the time greater the spacing required between plants bad decisions about distances. You are planting a medium sized weeping willow Facts: 9 Common questions the... Of 12ft ( or 6ft out from the same root their long, silvery.. Plant backed by our 30-day guarantee, weeping willow root system the roots wont hold.! 5 on ther side and my stone driveway should I be concern about the roots wont hold properly or... You might need to plant another dogwood underneath this one to fill in the gaps tree...