Plant willow in a hole twice as wide as the root ball, with the root flare at grade. Keep a landscape weeping tree off pipes and septic.
Keep landscape willows off pipes, and space to the mature size
| Factor | Recommended | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| When | Spring or fall while you can water; containers any workable day | A midsummer drought you cannot soak |
| Pipes | At least 50 feet from underground water, gas, sewage, or electrical lines for a landscape weeping tree | A weeping tree over a septic field or sewer lateral |
| Hole | Two to three times as wide as the root ball, and no deeper | A tight, deep cup that holds water on the flare |
| Height | Root flare at soil level, or slightly high | Burying the flare |
| Spacing | The mature width on the tag — often 5 to 7 feet for dappled willow, 30 to 75 feet for a weeping tree | A landscape willow against the house |
A weeping willow should sit at least 50 feet from underground lines. [1] Find the root flare and keep the hole no deeper than the ball. [2] Golden weeping forms often want 50 to 75 feet of mature width. [3] Native black willow wants a wet bank and still belongs off sewer lines. [4]
How far from pipes should I plant a weeping willow?
Keep a landscape weeping tree at least 50 feet from underground water, gas, sewage, or electrical lines. A dappled shrub still wants a moist bed, not a septic field.
How to plant willow
Work one hole at a time: confirm the habit, set the flare, space the plant, then water once.
- Confirm weeping tree, pussy willow, or dappled shrub on the tag so the spacing matches the outline. If the tag is only a cultivar name, match it on Types of Willow.
- Find the root flare. Pull soil off the top of the ball until the first large woody roots show. Dig a hole two to three times as wide as the root ball, and no deeper, so the ball sits on undug soil.
- Slide the plant out. Slice circling outer roots with a spade or knife.
- Set the flare level with the soil, or slightly high if water sits after rain.
- Backfill with the soil you dug. Do not pile soil on the flare. Soak to the depth of the root ball. Keep the ball moist through the first season if rain fails. After that, watering is on How to Grow Willow.
How deep do I plant a willow?
No deeper than the root ball. The flare sits level with the soil, or a little high.
What fails at planting
A weeping tree over a sewer lateral is the usual expensive mistake. A potbound ball dropped into a deep hole buries the flare and stalls the tree. A dappled shrub jammed against a wall still needs five to seven feet of width.
If you cannot keep 50 feet from pipes, skip the landscape weeping tree and pick a shrub kind.
FAQ
Should I plant in spring or fall?
Either window works if you can water. Skip a midsummer drought you cannot soak.
Can I plant a willow in standing water?
A wet bank or pond edge is the right site for a landscape tree. Do not drop the flare under water in a hole that never drains.
Related guides
Recommended plants
References
- [1] Bower & Branch -
https://bowerandbranch.com/blogs/all-about-trees/plant-weeping-willow - [2] Colorado State University Extension -
https://extension.colostate.edu/resource/the-science-of-planting-trees/ - [3] NC State Extension Gardener -
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/salix-alba-tristis/ - [4] NC State Extension Gardener -
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/salix-nigra/
This note is part of Salix Guides.
More planting notes by plant are gathered in Planting Guides.
Updated: Reviewed by Bosquelle Editors