Caring for and Propagating a Willow Tree?

Linda

May 21, 20100 found this helpful

The problem with several trunks is weakness. As it grows, and gets heavy, and pushes outward...they can lean over and break. I'd trim some out. Slowly. 1 or 2 at a time. Look at the tree from all angles. wait a couple days, or until next year and trim a bit more.

My mother rooted new Willow trees from the new growth, and she rooted the branches in water. In the spring, take green wood, new growth, and put it in water. Roots grow quickly. Willows grow very quickly, they are great water absorbers. Plant them where you want water soaked up. Good luck. And don't worry, trees are forgiving when it comes to pruning. Just work slowly, study the form, and take your time. Where you trim, often new growth will sprout out near the wound/cut. If you don't want a branch there, break it off as they sprout.

Dena Roberts
Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 102 Feedbacks

January 31, 20120 found this helpful

Looks like either a laurel leaf or golden willow. If the branches are golden coloured, it's a golden willow, If not, it's probably a laurel leaf willow. They are supposed to have lots of branches and are used as wind break hedges. We always cut ours back 2/3 to encourage more branches and a denser wind break. They don't have to be pruned, we just let them grow after they got thick enough by the 2/3 pruning method.