Should I train a weeping willow?
I bought and planted a weeping willow about three years ago and it is
really thriving. It's become a sturdy plant with lots of new shoots in the spring. Trouble is, it only ever seems to grow DOWNwards! By that I mean the branches are firmly all clumped together pointing DOWN. When I gently take one of the newer, thinner, and thus more pliable branches it can be lifted upwards quite a way. But of course, when I let go it falls back down again. There is no sign that this tree/bush on its own will ever spread upwards and seems destined to remain an ever thicker "clump" close to the ground. (Maybe I'll add a picture to my web site later so that readers can see what I mean.) But is the conventional practice to train the branches, either by staking or with guide wires? Or do I just leave the plant and let nature take its course? MM |
In reality you can train any plant or tree - some take to it a lot better and far easier than others though ;-)
Do you know exactly want type of Willow (latin or trade name) you have as there are many types out there? Some Willow names and latin examples: Babylon Weeping. Salix babylonica. Black-toothed. Salix nigra. Crack. Salix fragilis. Pussy. Salix discolor. Shining. Salix lucida. Weeping. Salix babylonica. White. Salix alba. |
Should I train a weeping willow?
MM wrote:
I bought and planted a weeping willow about three years ago and it is really thriving. It's become a sturdy plant with lots of new shoots in the spring. Trouble is, it only ever seems to grow DOWNwards! By that I mean the branches are firmly all clumped together pointing DOWN. When I gently take one of the newer, thinner, and thus more pliable branches it can be lifted upwards quite a way. But of course, when I let go it falls back down again. There is no sign that this tree/bush on its own will ever spread upwards and seems destined to remain an ever thicker "clump" close to the ground. (Maybe I'll add a picture to my web site later so that readers can see what I mean.) But is the conventional practice to train the branches, either by staking or with guide wires? Or do I just leave the plant and let nature take its course? MM They are called weeping willow for that very reason. I have one that is several years old now, it is still weeping but the trunk is longer, so it is growing upwards in that respect. Near me is a very large mature one, quite high, but still the branches brush the ground, it is their habit. -- Please reply to group,emails to designated address are never read. |
Quote:
The only other possibility is that you have a Kilmarnock willow, which is not as elegant, and is usually grafted. |
Should I train a weeping willow?
On Mon, 13 Jul 2009 12:39:27 +0100, beccabunga
wrote: MM;855795 Wrote: I bought and planted a weeping willow about three years ago and it is really thriving. It's become a sturdy plant with lots of new shoots in the spring. Trouble is, it only ever seems to grow DOWNwards! By that I mean the branches are firmly all clumped together pointing DOWN. When I gently take one of the newer, thinner, and thus more pliable branches it can be lifted upwards quite a way. But of course, when I let go it falls back down again. There is no sign that this tree/bush on its own will ever spread upwards and seems destined to remain an ever thicker "clump" close to the ground. (Maybe I'll add a picture to my web site later so that readers can see what I mean.) But is the conventional practice to train the branches, either by staking or with guide wires? Or do I just leave the plant and let nature take its course? MM That seems about usual for a weeping willow. I would leave it be. It will eventually put on main stem growth. The only other possibility is that you have a Kilmarnock willow, which is not as elegant, and is usually grafted. Mine does look like it's grafted. MM |
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