Desert Willow Tree Facts Caring For And Planting Desert Willow Trees

Think full sun and soil with excellent drainage when growing these trees in your landscape. If your region gets more than 30 inches (76 cm.) a year rainfall, plant desert willow trees in raised beds to ensure drainage.

How do you plant desert willow?

Sow the seeds no deeper than ¼ inch (6 mm.) deep in flats or nursery pots. Keep the soil relatively moist and within one to three weeks, desert willow seed germination will take place. When seedlings produce two sets of leaves, or are at least 4 inches (10 cm.)

How fast does a desert willow tree grow?

Desert willow is not a true willow but with its long, slender weeping leaves it's a better substitute than the willow for the arid southwest region. A fast growing tree, it can grow 2-3 feet a year and reach heights of 30 feet.

How much water does a desert willow tree need?

Desert willows are the opposite, and need less than 30 inches of water per year. If they get too much water, either through rainfall or overzealous watering, they can die.

Where is the best place to plant a willow tree?

Weeping willow trees do best when planted in areas that receive full sun to partial shade, in slightly acidic, moist soil. They should only be planted in Hardiness Zones 4-10.

Is Desert Willow toxic to dogs?

Willow tree wood isn't necessarily toxic to cats and dog. Its bark, however, can be poisonous, particularly to cats. Keep your pets away from willow trees, and don't let them claw or chew on willow tree limbs.

Are desert willow trees messy?

Desert willows are best known for their showy flowers. ... Long, narrow seedpods form after the flowers bloom. These persist on the tree through the winter and split open to release hundreds of fuzzy seeds. I suppose, if there is a downside to desert willow, it is this messy seasonal dropping of pods and seeds.

Can you overwater a willow tree?

Willows are known for loving water, but it is still possible to over water them as well. If the leaves begin to turn yellow and fall off, this is a sign of both under-watering and over-watering. Check the level of dampness around the tree before you water.

Do desert willows attract hummingbirds?

The seeds of the desert-willow are eaten by wildlife, and the flowers often attract hummingbirds. It can provide a nesting site for desert birds and ground cover for other animals.

Why is my desert willow dying?

Broadleaf weed herbicides can also injure or kill many kinds of trees, including desert willow. The variable weather this late winter and spring may also be a cause of these symptoms. ... Warm weather in late winter can cause the buds to begin metabolism for growing and to lose their hardiness.

How do you prune a desert willow tree?

Prune in spring just as leaves emerge to remove winter damage. To maintain a single trunk, prune only the lowest limbs every spring until the tree is as tall as you want it. Most desert willow trees produce seedpods that may be safely removed anytime.

How do you revive a dying willow tree?

Willow Tree Blight Management

The best way to deal with this is to apply a fungicide to the tree, particularly the foliage. Another method is to prune the diseased branches during the late fall or early winter while the tree is dormant, which will help stem the spread of the disease.

Do willow trees need a lot of water?

A newly planted weeping willow needs lots of water to keep it alive. Deep waterings are better because they encourage the roots to grow down into the soil as well as out to the sides. Water the newly planted tree at least every other day for the first couple of weeks.

Why are willow trees bad?

They are notorious for invasive root systems that, in search of water, will clog up pipes. Like other fast-growing trees, such as the mimosa, they are also known for having weak wood that'll drop readily in storms. As they age, their roots trend upwards, which can make them problematic for sidewalks and driveways.

How far should a willow tree be from a house?

For example, a mature willow tree will draw between 50 and 100 gallons of water per day from the ground around it, having a minimum recommended distance from buildings of 18m, but a birch tree, having a far smaller root system, may be planted far closer to a property without danger of damage.

When should you plant a willow tree?

It's best to plant your willow in early fall when the weather is still pleasant and before heavy rains begin in late fall. Even in mild winter areas, fall-planted willows should be given at least a 3-inch layer of mulch to protect the roots if freezing temperatures hit your area.

What does the weeping willow tree symbolize?

The leaves represent the balance, harmony, and growth we experience through these storms and life challenges. The willow tree gives us hope, a sense of belonging, and safety.

How long does a desert willow live?

Despite what the native plant critics say, this tree will live easily 50 to 75 years, probably a lot longer under an organic program.

Is Rosemary toxic to dogs?

Yes! Rosemary is healthy for your dog to eat and can even be used as a natural flea repellant. It also contains antioxidants that may prevent cancer and heart disease and is good for your dog's digestive issues given its antimicrobial properties.

Do desert willows lose their leaves in the winter?

Desert Willow will lose its leaves in winter allowing you to take advantage of the winter sun. Desert willow can be planted on western and southern exposures where shade is desired in summer, and allows one to take advantage of the winter sun. ... Left to grow naturally, chilopsis will grow into a large shrub.

What is the best tree to plant in Arizona?

Many trees that do best in Phoenix and Tucson are native mesquites and palo verdes that only reach a height of 30 feet. Many taller indigenous trees grow well in the desert such as ash, elm, pistache and oak. Pines also do well in Arizona.

Is desert willow tree evergreen?

Desert-willow is a 15-40 ft., slender-twigged, small tree or large shrub, often with leaning, twisting trunk and open, spreading crown. Leaves are deciduous, willow-like, light green, both opposite and alternate, 4-12 inches long and 1/3 inch wide.