In summer, the tree provides pleasant shade from the hot sun. Conversely, is he dependent on your support in winter? On this page you can read whether and how to overwinter a weeping willow properly.
Older weeping willows are very hardy
Maintenance measures in winter
After the first two years, the weeping willow is completely hardy and can even withstand temperatures down to -32°C. You no longer have to pay attention to antifreeze. Nevertheless, the weeping willow still needs something
Attention. You should always water the tree on frost-free days so that the substrate does not dry out.
Older weeping willows are also very susceptible to breakage. If the snow loads are too thick, falling branches could cause personal injury or damage to property. Prevent this by removing rotten branches in autumn.
If you cut back your weeping willow, you should also choose a frost-free day for this. Smooth the cuts with the saw. This speeds up wound healing.
When is antifreeze necessary?
Weeping willow in the bucket
Although willows have adapted to the seasons in the wild, potted plants need protection from frost. A layer of mulch protects the roots from freezing. An insulated bucket also promotes this effect.
Young weeping willows
In the first two years, weeping willows are still susceptible to temperatures below zero, even outdoors. A heat-storing mulch layer also helps here. It also makes sense to support the young tree so that the still delicate trunk does not snap off in strong winter storms.
The Real Weeping Willow
Did you know that the weeping willow that you see most often here in Germany is actually a hybrid? It is a breed that largely originates from the white willow. The real weeping willow originally comes from China. If you buy a weeping willow for your own garden in the nursery, it is very important to know whether you have bought a hybrid or a real weeping willow. The latter is also not hardy.