The weeping willow, often \(Salix babylonica\) or a related hybrid like \(Salix \times\) \(sepulcralis\) ‘Chrysocoma’, is recognized globally for its dramatic, cascading foliage. Its long, sweeping branches create a distinct, elegant silhouette, making it a favored specimen tree in many landscapes. The species is also known for its rapid growth rate, quickly establishing a prominent presence near water features or open areas. This guide will navigate the process of selecting the right vendor and the appropriate stock for your planting needs.
Identifying Reputable Vendors
Securing a healthy weeping willow begins with selecting a reliable source that provides quality, well-cared-for stock. One of the most immediate and beneficial options is to visit independent garden centers and local nurseries in person. Shopping locally allows for the physical inspection of the tree, enabling the buyer to check for signs of disease, mechanical damage, or poor root development.
These local establishments frequently offer advice tailored to the specific microclimate and soil conditions of the buyer’s region. The staff often possesses horticultural expertise regarding the best local cultivars and can offer guidance on initial planting success. Purchasing from a local nursery ensures the tree has already adapted to local weather patterns, minimizing transplant shock.
Alternatively, a broader selection of cultivars and sizes can often be found through specialized online and mail-order retailers. These vendors often cater to nationwide demand, offering diverse options, including less common weeping willow hybrids. Buying online is the primary method for acquiring specialized bare-root stock, which is shipped exclusively during the tree’s dormant season, typically late fall or early spring.
When considering an online purchase, thoroughly check vendor reviews regarding the quality of their packaging and the viability of the shipped material. Reputable mail-order nurseries provide clear, written guarantees should the tree fail to survive its initial planting phase. Always confirm the vendor’s shipping methods and ensure they comply with regulations concerning the movement of plant material across state lines.
Choosing the Right Tree Type and Size
Before making a purchase, decide on the specific weeping willow cultivar that best suits the intended planting site. The classic \(Salix babylonica\) is widely available, but hybrids like the ‘Golden Weeping Willow’ offer distinct features, such as bright yellow winter bark for added landscape interest. Selecting a cultivar with appropriate hardiness for the local climate is necessary to ensure the tree’s long-term survival.
The form in which the tree stock is purchased impacts handling, cost, and the ideal planting window. Bare-root stock consists of dormant trees dug up with no soil around the roots, offering the most economical option for shipping. This stock must be planted immediately upon arrival during the dormancy period, typically spanning late winter through early spring.
Containerized stock is grown in a pot with soil and can generally be planted throughout the growing season, offering greater flexibility. Balled and Burlapped (B\&B) trees are larger, mature specimens dug up with a substantial root ball encased in burlap and wire. While B\&B trees are more expensive and heavier, they offer a more established presence in the landscape immediately.
For successful establishment, target trees that are between four and eight feet tall at the time of purchase. Trees within this size range, often with a trunk caliper of half an inch to one inch, experience less transplant shock compared to very large specimens. Selecting an appropriately sized tree balances the desire for immediate impact with successful root regeneration after transplanting.
Handling and Initial Care After Purchase
The period immediately following the acquisition of a weeping willow is highly sensitive and directly affects its establishment success. Trees purchased via mail-order, particularly bare-root stock, must be unpacked as soon as they arrive. If the roots appear dry, they should be immediately soaked in cool water for a minimum of six hours and up to 24 hours to rehydrate the fine root hairs.
Containerized or B\&B stock should be kept in a protected, shaded area while awaiting final planting preparation. Direct sunlight and drying winds can quickly stress the foliage and root system of a newly acquired tree. The soil in the container or around the root ball must be kept consistently moist, but not saturated, during this holding period.
If planting cannot occur within a few days, especially with bare-root trees, temporary holding methods are necessary to prevent root desiccation. The process of “heeling in” involves burying the roots in a trench or a large container filled with moist soil, sawdust, or peat moss. This temporary measure shields the roots from air exposure and maintains hydration until the permanent planting site is ready.
Protecting the tree from physical damage during transport and handling is important, as weeping willow branches are often delicate. Ensuring the tree remains upright and the root system does not dry out for more than an hour or two outside of the ground is the primary focus during the first 72 hours. This careful initial treatment minimizes stress and prepares the tree for a smooth transition.