Willows have an impressive appearance, are robust, hardy and undemanding. You can also use the leaves and bark for physical ailments and weave baskets or fences from the rods. The perfect tree for your own garden, isn't it? Here you can find out what is important when planting a pasture on private property.
Willows like to grow in damp locations - including in the garden
requirements of your garden
If you cannot provide enough space for the willow, the deciduous tree is unfortunately not an option for your garden. Both the crown and the underground root system take on enormous dimensions after a short time. Be sure to plan for a diameter of about 20 meters. There should be no buildings, walkways or plants at this distance, which could die due to insufficient light supply due to the shady pasture.
site selection
However, if your garden meets these requirements, you need to find the right location. The following conditions are ideal:
- preferably near the water
- moist to wet soil
- slightly acidic to neutral soil
- nutrient-rich soil
- loose soil
- sunny location
Small varieties
If there is not enough space, it is also possible to cultivate a willow in a bucket. Recommended for this
- the hanging kitten willow
- or the harlequin willow
There are also short varieties:
- creeper
- rosemary willow
- netting
- Ground cover willow
- purple willow
- wool willow
- Engadine pasture
- ear willow
maintenance
To cut
Whether in a pot or as a free-standing tree, willows must be cut regularly. Otherwise, you will not be able to tame the pronounced growth. Most willow species are cut in spring, some varieties also in winter. For animal welfare reasons, pruning is strictly prohibited in summer. A cut in autumn is also not advisable, since the wounds will not heal before winter. Due to the strong growth, willows are very tolerant of cuts and can also tolerate radical pruning.
fertilizing and watering
Thanks to the extensive root system, the willow always has access to a water source. You should only keep the substrate constantly moist when keeping it in a bucket. Unlike free-standing trees, you should fertilize top plants once a year with complete fertilizer and mulch (€239.00) or compost, as the tub does not provide sufficient nutrients.
Ideal as a hedge plant
When pruned regularly, willows are also ideal hedge plants. Braid the individual rods together to form a dense privacy screen.