Braided willow trees are a unique and beautiful addition to any outdoor space. Their intertwined branches form an intricate ornamental pattern that provides eye-catching visual interest. While braided willows are relatively low maintenance, they do require proper care and attention to thrive. Read on for a complete guide to successfully growing a healthy vibrant braided willow tree.
Braided willows are named for their distinctive growth habit of stems that interweave as they grow upward This creates the appearance of braided hair or rope Common species used include Salix purpurea and Salix alba which are appreciated for their flexible young shoots that allow for braiding,
People love these trees for their looks, and they are often used as focal points or screens in gardens and landscapes. In the spring, braided willows make pretty catkins that attract bees and other pollinators. In the summer, their leaves are bright green, and in the fall, they turn bright yellow. Braided willows typically reach mature heights of 6-20 feet.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Braided Willow Trees
Braided willows thrive best when provided with the following growing conditions:
- Sunlight: At least 6 hours of direct sun daily
- Soil: Moist, well-draining soil. Avoid letting soil dry out.
- Water: 1-2 inches per week, adjust for rainfall. Water deeply.
- Hardiness Zones: 4-9
Site selection is important to prevent drought stress. Find a place that naturally keeps water in, or add compost to sandy soils to make them better at keeping water in. A layer of mulch around the tree also helps keep the soil moist.
Planting Your Braided Willow Tree
When planting your new braided willow, follow these tips for success:
- Dig a hole 2-3 times as wide as the root ball. Depth should match the root ball height.
- Carefully place the tree in the hole. The top of the root ball should be level with the ground.
- Backfill the hole with native soil, gently tamping down to remove air pockets.
- Water thoroughly to saturate the root zone. Allow water to drain fully.
- Spread 2-4 inches of mulch around the base, leaving space near the trunk.
- Stake the tree for its first year to promote strong establishment.
Proper planting encourages healthy root growth. Avoid planting too deep which can cause issues. Give the tree adequate water in the first few weeks to reduce transplant stress.
Watering Needs for Braided Willows
Braided willow trees appreciate consistent moisture. Establish a weekly watering regimen, providing 1-2 inches per week. Adjust as needed based on rainfall. Soils should be kept damp but not saturated.
Signs of underwatering include drooping, yellowing leaves and stunted growth. Overwatering can be indicated by root rot. Customize your watering practices based on site factors like soil type, weather patterns, and the tree’s age.
Ideally, provide deep soakings rather than frequent light sprinklings. Early morning or evening are the best times to water. Installing a drip irrigation system can help maintain ideal moisture levels.
Sunlight Requirements
Braided willows thrive in full sun locations. When sited in partly shaded areas, they tend to produce sparser foliage and weaker growth. Choose a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun daily for best results.
If your tree isn’t getting enough light, over time you may notice signs like a sparse canopy and slow growth. In this case, you might want to cut back branches that are getting in the way or move the tree to a spot with more sun. Maximize sunlight exposure for optimal health.
Fertilizing Braided Willow Trees
Fertilization is generally not needed for braided willow trees planted in the ground. Quality potting mixes contain sufficient nutrients to sustain growth for 1-2 seasons. Container-grown willows will benefit from a balanced fertilizer applied at half strength in spring and summer.
Signs your tree may require fertilizer include stunted shoots, pale leaves, or general lack of vigor. Use an organic or slow-release product tailored for trees. Always follow label directions carefully when applying any fertilizer.
Pruning Braided Willow Trees
Pruning is important for maintaining the ornamental braided form of the willow. Follow these tips when pruning:
- Time pruning in late winter or early spring before growth resumes.
- Use clean, sharp bypass pruners and saws to make clean cuts.
- Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches at the trunk.
- Selectively trim back healthy stems to encourage fullness.
- Shape the canopy lightly as needed through summer.
- Avoid removing over one-third of growth when pruning.
Take care when pruning not to damage the intricate braiding pattern. Focus on opening up interior areas to sunlight and lightly trimming wayward branches. Remove any vertical shoots that appear on lower areas.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Braided willows are relatively pest and disease resistant but may experience the following issues:
- Aphids – Control with insecticidal soap or neem oil applications.
- Spider mites – Indicated by stippling damage. Wash off with water or use horticultural oil sprays.
- Powdery mildew – A fungal disease favored by humidity. Improve air circulation and use fungicides if severe.
- Cankers – Prune out affected branches, avoid unnecessary wounds.
Promoting vigor through proper care is the best prevention. Inspect trees routinely and quickly address any problems spotted. Early treatment helps avoid major damage.
Overwintering Braided Willow Trees
In their hardiness range of zones 4-9, braided willows can remain in the ground year-round. Provide winter protection such as burlap wrappings in colder climates. Move container-grown trees to an unheated garage or shed once temperatures drop below freezing.
Prune the tree before winter to avoid potential snow and ice damage. Suspend fertilization and watering during dormancy. Resume normal practices in early spring after the last frost.
Enjoying Your Braided Willow Tree
When provided with its preferred growing conditions, the braided willow makes a unique and stunning garden focal point. Its graceful form and ornamental braiding offer multi-season interest. Proper planting, pruning, and care will keep your tree healthy and vibrant for years of beauty. Enjoy this guide for success with braided willow trees!
Soil and Planting Requirements
Braided willows thrive in well-draining soil that retains just enough moisture to keep the roots happy. The ideal mix consists of equal parts quality potting soil, peat moss, and perlite or coarse sand. This combination provides the perfect balance of water retention and drainage that willow trees need to flourish in containers.
Start with a high-quality, organic potting mix as your base. Add peat moss to improve moisture retention and provide slight acidity, which willows prefer. The perlite or coarse sand creates essential air pockets and prevents soil compaction, allowing roots to breathe and grow freely.
For extra nutrition, mix in about 10% well-rotted compost or aged manure. This organic matter feeds your willow gradually and improves soil structure. Avoid heavy garden soil in containers, as it can become waterlogged and lead to root rot.
Remember to refresh the soil mix every two years when repotting your braided willow. This ensures continued nutrient availability and maintains proper soil structure for healthy growth. A handful of slow-release organic fertilizer mixed into the soil during planting gives your willow an extra boost.
Start by selecting a pot at least 18 inches deep and wide with adequate drainage holes. Fill the bottom third with high-quality potting mix blended with slow-release fertilizer. Before planting your braided willow, gently loosen the root ball and trim any damaged roots. Position the tree in the center of the pot, ensuring it stands straight and the braided portion remains above soil level.
Add potting mix around the roots while gently tamping down to eliminate air pockets. Leave about two inches between the soil surface and pot rim for watering. Water thoroughly until it flows from the drainage holes to help your newly planted trees thrive.
Add a two-inch layer of mulch around the base, keeping it away from the trunk to prevent rot. If needed, insert a support stake alongside the root ball before filling with soil, securing it loosely to the trunk with soft ties. Place your potted willow in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, protecting it from strong winds that could damage the decorative braiding.
Choosing the Perfect Container for Your Braided Willow
When selecting a container for your braided willow tree, size matters significantly. Start with a pot that’s at least 24 inches in diameter and 24 inches deep, as willows have extensive root systems that need room to grow. As your tree matures, you’ll want to upgrade to a larger container, typically 30-36 inches in diameter.
Material choice is equally important for successful willow growth. While various options exist, thick plastic or ceramic containers work best as they retain moisture well and provide good insulation for the roots. Ensure your chosen pot has multiple drainage holes to prevent water-logging, which can lead to root rot.
Even though terracotta pots are pretty, they dry out quickly and might not be the best choice for willows because they like a steady level of moisture. If you choose wooden containers, pick cedar or redwood because they don’t naturally rot. To make them last longer, line them with a moisture barrier.
Weight is another consideration – remember that your pot needs to be sturdy enough to support a full-grown tree. Choose containers with wide bases for stability, especially if you’re placing them in windy areas.
Proper drainage is crucial for keeping your braided willow healthy in a pot. Start by selecting a container with multiple drainage holes – at least 3-4 holes are ideal. Spread out about 2 inches of coarse gravel or broken pottery on the bottom to help water drain away. When potting your willow, use a well-draining potting mix rather than garden soil, which can become compacted and waterlogged.
To prevent root rot, elevate your pot slightly using pot feet or small blocks, allowing excess water to flow freely. Check the drainage holes periodically to ensure they haven’t become blocked by roots or debris. If you notice water pooling on the soil surface or draining very slowly, it’s time to address drainage issues by either repotting with fresh soil or clearing blocked drainage holes.
While willows love moisture, they shouldn’t sit in waterlogged soil. A simple test is to stick your finger into the soil – if it feels consistently soggy, you need to improve drainage immediately.
Harlequin Braided Willow Tree
FAQ
How do you take care of a braided willow tree?
The Braided Willow is easy to plant and care for, but it is happiest in a moist, water-retentive spot. Keep well watered, especially in hot, dry weather. For best results, and to keep soil moist the longest: water in the early morning, or evening. This tree prefers full sun to part shade.
Why is my braided willow dying?
A braided willow can be dying due to a combination of factors, including disease, improper watering, and unsuitable environmental conditions. Specifically, scab disease can cause leaf spots, wilting, and ultimately, death.
How often should I water my braided willow?
braided willow needs 0. 8 cups of water every 9 days when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5. 0″ pot. You can use our water calculator to get personalized watering advice based on your area, or you can download Greg to get more detailed advice for all of your plants.
Why are the leaves on my braided willow tree turning brown?
Willow scab is a fungal disease that causes leaf symptoms, followed by brown spore masses at the base of leaves. The symptoms of scab on willow start with dark spots on the leaves. These can be brown or black, and cause the leaves to wilt, shrivel up, and die.
Are braided willow trees hardy?
With their graceful woven stems and lush green crowns braided willow trees make a stunning addition to any outdoor space. Though hardy by nature they do require some specialized care to thrive. Follow this comprehensive guide to learn how to properly look after your braided willow tree in every season.
How do you care for braided Willow?
Care Instructions: The Braided Willow is simple to plant and take care of, but it does best in a spot that stays moist. Keep well watered, especially in hot, dry weather. For best results, and to keep soil moist the longest: water in the early morning, or evening. This tree prefers full sun to part shade.
How do you grow a braided willow tree indoors?
If you give these beautiful trees the right care, they do very well in containers and are known for how well they grow indoors. Choose a pot that is at least 18 inches wide, deep, and well-draining. Fill it with potting mix that keeps water in, and put your braided willow where it will get bright, indirect light.
How deep should a braided Willow be planted?
Whether you choose to plant them in a large container, or in your garden, mulching around the base of the tree will provide extra support in warm or cold weather. Although the Braided Willow is very hardy and can withstand severe frost, we suggest you plant the tree in a flower bed for the winter months. Be sure to plant them 6” deep. Pro Care Tips
How do you prune a braided willow tree?
Pruning is crucial for maintaining your braided willow’s desired size and form. Allow the upper branches to fill out the crown. Rub off any buds that emerge on the lower braided stems to maintain their woven pattern. In spring, prune back overly long branches by at least half their length to encourage bushy regrowth.
Why do you need a braided willow tree?
Having a braided willow tree offers numerous advantages. They enhance garden aesthetics with their unique design and dynamic color changes throughout the seasons. Their fast growth rate provides quick shade and privacy. You can also use them to prevent soil erosion, as their extensive roots stabilize the ground.