Bartlett Tree Experts: Willow

Salix spp

A genus of 300 species of deciduous trees. Found in habitats ranging from lowland meadows and river banks to sand dunes and mountain screes. Wide diversity of bark colour (red, yellow, orange, white) and growth forms (weeping, columnar, corkscrew, rounded). Willow make ideal screens and windbreaks and can be easily grown from hardwood cuttings.

Culture
Concerns
Management

Culture for Willow

Willow prefer deep, moist but well drained soil in full sun. In tolerant of shallow chalk soil. Willow prefer soils with a pH range of 5 to 7.5. Fertilisation of willows and addition of organic matter to the soil is highly recommended.

Concerns about Willow

Rabbit and deer are partial to willow, so protection may well be necessary. Willow aphids are brownish black and may affect willow plants in late summer. Willow anthracnose, scab, and canker are fungal diseases that can affect Salix.

Management Practices for Willow

Inspect for animal damage,and apply repellent to tree trunk and branches. Prune out cankers and apply an appropriate fungicide. Anthracnose and scab can be easily controlled by 3 to 4 fungicide sprays at 3 week intervals commencing in late April to early May. Improve tree vigour through mulching, fertilisation, and watering. Control of insect pests requires 3 to 4 sprays of an insecticide at 3 week intervals from May onwards. Responds extremely well to fertilisation.