Willow Trees

Willow trees, particularly weeping willows, are iconic trees for anyone who lives near water. These large trees have unique leaves and drooping branches, making them a popular choice for anyone looking to make their yard stand out. But where do willow trees grow?

Willow trees were originally native to parts of Central Asia and later to North America. In the United States, willow trees commonly grow in Kentucky, Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Louisiana in hot and humid climates near rivers, swamps and ponds.

However, there’s a lot more that goes into the location than just rattling off the names of a few states! In this article, we’ll dive into what makes an ideal habitat for willows, the types of willow trees, and the most common spots where you can find them.

How To Identify Willow Trees

Some species of trees are difficult to identify at a glance. Similar leaf shape and bark texture can leave two different trees nearly indistinguishable in the eyes of an amateur. Luckily, the willow is perhaps one of the easiest trees to identify.

Brandeis University explains that weeping willow trees (scientific name: salix babylonica) can grow up to 90 ft tall and have drooping branches. From afar, a willow tree might look like a large mushroom with an exceptionally large cap.

As you get closer to the tree, you’ll see that the leaves are thin and pointed, almost like a spearhead. The outer side of the leaves is usually a light green color, while the underside has a pale complexion. Willow bark is gray in color and very rough.

You’ll often find willows growing near water, whether that’s a stream, pond, or swamp. Because of the flexible nature of their branches, some willow trees might look like massive bushes, since their foliage reaches all the way to the ground. 

Willow Trees Grow Super Quick

According to the Arbor Day Foundation, willow trees can top more than 2 feet each year! In their early years, they can easily grow more than that amount in the right conditions. However, willows tend to have a short lifespan, living no more than 30 years in most scenarios.

If you’re interested in learning more about how to identify willows and other kinds of trees, it can be beneficial to get in a field guide for when you’re out hiking!

There’s nothing wrong with searching for photos on online, but it’s always nice to have a paper copy in the outdoors with you. The National Geographic Pocket Guide to Shrubs and Trees of North America is an essential reference guide that will make plant identification and your tree journey so much smoother!

Most Common Types Of Willow Trees

The Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica) is the kind of willow that most people are familiar with. Despite being originally from Asia, the weeping willow is widespread across the United States. 

But there are a few other kinds of willow trees out there, too!

Scouler’s Willow (Salix scouleriana) – Scouler’s willow is one of the smallest kinds of willow trees, usually only reaching to be about 36 feet tall. It is named after the Scottish botanist John Scouler. This willow is common in the lower parts of Canada, throughout the Rockies, and parts of the Pacific Northwest.

White Willow (Salix alba) – The white willow can grow to be anywhere from 30 to 90 feet tall, and is largely located in the Great Lakes regions of the United States. Additionally, it’s fairly common in Europe and Central Asia. The white willow has lighter leaves than its brethren, hence the name.

Peach-Leaf Willow (Salix amygdaloides) – According to the United States Forest Service, the peach-leaf willow is one of the most widespread willow trees in North America, appearing in 27 states and 6 territories in Canada. It only grows to be about 40 feet tall, but still manages to be one of the tallest trees in the Great Plains region. Like its relatives, it thrives in wet conditions, but can also be found in dry, silt-like soil.

Types Of Willow Shrubs

Not all willows are trees, however, most are shrubs!

The Hakuro Nishiki (Salix integra) shrub is a common landscape feature, known for its colorful, variegated leaves. Other willow shrubs include the Bebb Willow (Salix bebbiana), Purple Osier Willow (Salix purpurea), and the Salix discolor. 

There are many variations of willows, some of which only grow in certain areas throughout the USA. These shrubs are used by conservationists to help combat erosion.

In a study conducted by the USDA and the Soil Conservation Service, willow shrubs were found to “maintain or restore endemic riparian and wetland plant communities.”

The tightly-woven root systems and rapid growth rate of willow shrubs make them the perfect vegetation for combating erosion during flood season. 

Plus, they provide foliage, vegetation, and food for native animal species! Elk, moose, small birds, and even honey bees benefit from willow shrubs.

The Most Common Places Where Willow Trees Grow

The weeping willow is a pretty hardy tree, and according to Pace University, it can even thrive in acidic soil conditions. They do, however, require a lot of water! This is why they are frequently found near or around ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers. 

As we mentioned earlier, willow trees can be found across the United States, typically growing close to the water in zones 4 through 9, although they flourish in zones 6-8.

Excluding a few areas in the northern reaches of the United States, as well as the lower parts of Texas and Florida, willow trees thrive in North America. Let’s discuss a few of these places in greater detail. The eight most common places where willow trees grow are:

• Kentucky
• Arkansas
• Tennessee
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Georgia
• Alabama
• Louisiana

1. Kentucky

Kentucky is a great state for growing all kinds of plants. It’s right in the middle of the United States and has a hardiness zone of 6-7, making it the perfect place for weeping willows to grow.

Kentucky has a relatively temperate climate, with a clear start and end to its seasons. According to data collected by Kentucky State University for a state climate summary, Kentucky’s summers are hot and humid while winters are mild with occasional bouts of extreme cold.

Generally, high temperatures in the summer don’t break 90 degrees Fahrenheit, while in the winter high temps might be anywhere from 38 degrees to 44 degrees Fahrenheit.

On average, northern Kentucky receives 42 inches of precipitation while Southern Kentucky receives 52 inches. Parts of southern Kentucky inch their way into hardiness zone 7.

Fun Fact: One of Kentucky’s Champion Trees is a black willow (Salix nigra) in Harlan County at the Pine Mountain Settlement School. It was nominated as a champion tree in 2020 and is 62 ft tall with a 75 ft crown.

2. Arkansas

Arkansas has a wide range of growing conditions, with the northwestern part of the state a zone 6-7, while the middle of the state is a zone 8. 

Arkansas has a humid subtropical climate, with temperatures ranging on both ends of the spectrum. In a climate study conducted by NOAA, it was found that this state experiences extreme temperatures. The average high temperatures in the summer can reach more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, while winter lows sit at about 25 degrees Fahrenheit!

The state is known for having massive amounts of precipitation, be it rain or snow. The climate study showed that generally, storms in Arkansas are capable of dropping 10 inches of precipitation in short periods of time. 

Like Kentucky, a black willow made the list of Arkansas’ Champion Trees. The tree is located in Burns Park in North Little Rock. The tree is about 134 ft tall with a crown width of 36 ft. 

3. Tennessee

Tennessee is probably one of the best places to grow a willow tree. The state is pretty much exclusively a hardiness zone 7, which is right in the middle of the recommended zones for S. babylonica.

When thinking about climate, Tennessee can be divided up into four distinct sections, as outlined by the East Tennessee State University Department of Climatology.

The westernmost division of Tennessee has a median temperature between 60 and 62 degrees Fahrenheit. The easternmost division of Tennessee is the mountainous region, so in some places, median temperatures can be as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Generally, Tennessee has a temperate climate.

When it comes to precipitation, most of Tennessee ranges anywhere from 60-65 inches per year. The lower flatlands experience less precipitation, and it mostly drains into the Cumberland or Tennessee rivers. These areas are where the bulk of willows grow.

Tennessee has one willow as its champion tree, again a black willow. It’s significantly smaller than the champion trees in Arkansas and Kentucky but still stands at 57 feet tall with a 50-foot crown spread. The black willow is located in Knox country.

4. North Carolina

North Carolina is split almost down the middle in terms of hardiness zone. The western portion of the state is zone 7, while the eastern part of the state is zone 8. Thankfully, weeping willows thrive in either zone, so they are widespread across the state. 

North Carolina is like Tennessee in terms of climate, with a range of temperatures throughout the year.

Generally, the temperatures can top 95 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, and drop to 20 degrees or below in the winter in North Carolina. According to a climate study conducted by the North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies, the number of extremely hot days hasn’t increased in the past years, but nighttime temperatures have increased, sitting at around 70 or 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

In terms of precipitation, North Carolina gets about 48-50 inches each year, but the climate study suggested that heavy rain and hurricane events could increase the average precipitation rate in the coming years. The wetter the better for weeping willows!

North Carolina boasts a weeping willow as one of its champion trees, with a height of 73 ft and a total circumference of 167 inches. The weeping willow is located in the town of Cashiers in Jackson county.

5. South Carolina

South Carolina is best known for its sandy beaches and palm trees, but it’s also an ideal growing spot for willow trees. The state is almost completely a hardiness zone 8, with a small portion of the northwestern tip inching into zone 7.

Data collected for a climate study by NOAA indicates that South Carolina is primarily classified by its hot, humid summers and lackluster winters. Average temperatures range from the 50s to the 60s, with warmer temps felt closer to the coast, while cooler days are the status quo in the Appalachian Mountain range.

Summers can be brutal in the low country, but winters are quite mild, with average temperatures between 40 and 47 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Midlands is the driest part of the state, with less than 40 inches of precipitation each year. Most other areas of South Carolina receive about 40-50 inches of rain a year, with more precipitation in the mountains. 

While there isn’t a registry of champion trees in South Carolina that features a willow, there is a unique variation of the tree that appears throughout both North and South Carolina. According to North Carolina State University, the Carolina willow (Salix caroliniana), commonly known as the swamp willow, only grows to be about 20 ft tall, but is notorious for growing in the worst possible soil conditions. For that reason, it’s often found near salt water and other water run-off areas. 

6. Georgia 

Like South Carolina, Georgia is primarily located in zone 8. There are a few areas in the north that are in zone 7, and a few places in the south and southeast that are in zone 9. While willows will grow in zone 9, the bulk of them are growing in hot, humid zone 8. 

Because Georgia has a portion of coastline near the Gulf of Mexico, and mountainous regions throughout the state (Appalachian and the Blue Ridge Mountains), temperature zones vary greatly. According to a study conducted by NOAA into the climate of Georgia, the state is known for long summers and short winters with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. 

Precipitation also ranges pretty drastically, with 70+ inches in mountainous areas, and an average of about 45-50 inches in the lowland areas. Snow is infrequent, and doesn’t usually amount to more than 5 inches.

Since the summers are so hot and humid, and rainfall is fairly consistent, Georgia is largely an agricultural state. But willows grow alongside those Georgia peaches!

In Georgia, a weeping willow made their champion willow list. It is located in Young Harris, which is in Towns Country, Georgia. The tree has both a height and crown spread of 52 feet, and was last measured in 2010.

7. Alabama

Alabama is largely land-locked, with the lower three-quarters of the state residing in hardiness zone 8, and the northern portion reaching into zone 7.

Alabama is at the perfect spot where air masses meet, coming up from the Gulf and down from the rest of the US, giving it a pretty mild climate.

NOAA conducted a study of the climate in 2020 and found that Alabama’s temperatures haven’t changed much since the early 2000s. Summer days are hot, with frequent days reaching above 95 degrees Fahrenheit. But, winters are mild and temperatures don’t drop much below 30 degrees in the north and 45 degrees in the south.

Alabama has pretty consistent precipitation, with only a few dry months near the end of the summer. On average, you can expect to see 55+ inches in any given year. This hot, wet weather is perfect for agriculture and even better for willow trees.

But, because Alabama sits right where air masses collide, the state has frequent tornadoes. These nasty storms wreak havoc on willows, which have characteristically weak limbs and snap easily in high winds.

Alabama has plenty of champion trees, but as of 2021, they lack a champion willow.

8. Louisiana

Louisiana is at about the southernmost point in the United States where willow trees grow. The northern portion of the state is a zone 8, while the lower half is firmly a zone 9.

The climate in Louisiana is hard to pin down because there will be wildly hot streaks and occasional brutally cold days. NOAA’s climate study indicated that historically, there are usually between 25 and 40 extremely hot days each summer, while the days with temps below freezing are next to none.

Precipitation in Louisiana is almost constant, with some places experiencing 60+ inches of rain every year.

Louisiana, being so close to the Gulf of Mexico, is subject to hurricane conditions during the summer. These storms often destroy a lot of property in southern Louisiana and can be a nasty problem for willow trees, which typically grow near floodplains.

Unfortunately, no willow trees made the list of Louisiana‘s champion trees.

Don’t Weep (Willow, That Is!)

Get it? Weeping willow? Ok, I’ll stop…

So, where do willow trees grow? Hopefully, you’ve learned that the ideal climate for willow trees is often hot and humid. Because willow trees have a relatively short lifespan (about 30 years), low temps can stunt their growth, so they love the weather in the southern US.

But just because they’re fans of the marshes, swamps, and riverbanks in the lower states, doesn’t mean they don’t pop up in other places! Most states in the US have weeping willow trees, and black willows too. The only states where you’ll be hard-pressed to find willows are in the north. Think Michigan, Wyoming, and Montana. 

Remember, willows prefer:

• Neutral or slightly acidic soil
• Full sun
• Rich, moist growing conditions

Willow trees, like the weeping willow, are originally from Asia. But, because of their extensive root systems and incredibly fast growth rate, they’ve become a staple of erosion control specialists and landscapers throughout North America.

If your willow tree is causing an issue, take a peak at out guide on the reasons to cut down your willow tree for some tips!

References

Mutlu-Durak, H., & Yildiz Kutman, B. (2021). Seed Treatment with Biostimulants Extracted from Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica) Enhances Early Maize Growth. Plants, 10(7), 1449.

Szekely, G., & Dagmar, V. (2011). Willow trees in the parks of Timisoara. JOURNAL of Horticulture, Forestry and Biotechnology, 15(1), 75-77.

Roloff, A. (2020). WEEPING WILLOW AS A POTENTIAL URBAN TREE IN BHUTAN.

A tree is a remarkable thing— what kind of person would ever want to cut one down? Sadly, real life is a bit more complicated than The Lorax makes it seem. Eventually, trees must come down, especially if it’s looking like it will do so on it’s own. Your willow tree is no exception.

If your willow tree is damaged or at risk of falling, it needs to be cut down. Trees that have fungus, are leaning, have lopsided branches, are hollow, have damaged roots, interfere with traffic, or are too close to houses, other trees and power lines need to be removed for safety purposes.

It can be difficult to know when to make the call to cut down your tree. Here are 15 signs that your willow’s time with you has come to an end.

Cut Down Willows You’re Tired Of Cleaning Up After

This is a valid reason to cut down your willow tree.

If tree maintenance has become more of a burden than a joy, it’s time to remove your willow.

This is not a lazy choice, either! According to the University of Maryland, willows are sometimes listed as an “undesirable species” of tree due to the high maintenance they require.

Weeping willows, for instance, have stems that grow towards the ground rather than towards the sky. These branches must be pruned every year or else they become a dense, tangled curtain.

Tiny, pointy, willow leaves look beautiful while on the tree, but they can be a nightmare to rake in the fall.

Keep in mind that you might be able to prevent some of the biggest maintenance problems by investing in quality tools. 

This Corona DualLink Tree Saw and Pruner has a built-in 10-foot extension pole. It allows you to cut higher branches (without climbing on a ladder!)

The right tool can make an agonizing task not only tolerable but even somewhat enjoyable.

But perhaps you do not have the time, ability, resources, or desire to care for your trees. If this describes your situation, consider this your permission to take a major chore off of your plate.

The Roots Are Poking Out Of The Ground

Willow trees have a relatively shallow root system. It’s supposed to be that way so that they can better absorb water. 

The roots are intended to be completely underground, fanning away from the tree at a depth of about 4-6 inches. 

But that doesn’t always happen.

Sometimes soil erodes, leaving a bare space around previously buried roots.

As the willow aged, perhaps roots that were previously under the soil grew too large and are now exposed.

Maybe the willow had an inconsistent water source and developed peculiar root patterns as a way to try to accommodate and survive.

Whatever the reason, roots that are above the ground are at risk of experiencing significant damage. 

Many landscapers have shuddered at the tell-tale chopping noise that comes from the lawnmower when you hit a root that was hidden in the grass.

Once the damage is done, there’s not very much you can do about it. 

You also must consider the risk that exposed roots can be to people and animals. If a root is hidden by long grass, it can become a tripping hazard. This is especially true if long grass or other plants are growing around the base of the tree.

Can’t you just cut away the problematic roots? Not exactly. 

According to Purdue University, pruning roots causes serious damage to the tree. Your tree will not be able to replace established roots, causing it to absorb fewer nutrients than the tree demands.

Your choice is to either live with the exposed roots, or to remove the tree.

If the roots are exposed and causing problems, it’s time to cut down your willow.

There’s Damage To The Willow‘s Tree Trunk

Sometimes we forget about the trunk of a tree. But it’s more than just a “branch holder”.

The trunk is a tree’s stem. It takes nutrients from the roots and transports them to the leaves. 

We’re used to seeing wood after a tree has been cut down: it’s dry, hard, and unchanging. But when a tree is alive, the trunk is wet inside. 

The trunk is firm enough to support the weight of the tree, but also flexible enough to transport water through a complex daily cycle.

If there is damage to the trunk, the tree has a reduced ability to transport nutrients.

The size of your willow will determine how much stress the trunk can take. 

An older, mature willow tree trunk might only react to extreme damage, such as getting hit by a car. A younger, fragile willow sapling might sustain serious trunk damage from a bad windstorm or a misplaced step from a human caretaker.

Sometimes a tree can adapt to damage. Just like your body might heal from a wound, the trunk will form a similar scar.

But if the trunk is too damaged to support the tree, you will need to cut it down. Otherwise, you run the risk of the tree falling on its own!

The Majority Of The Willow’s Branches Are Damaged

One damaged branch is not a death sentence for a tree. But if there are more damaged branches than there are healthy ones, this is a sign that your tree is in significant distress.

Ideally, dead branches are removed through an annual pruning process. 

Perhaps a particularly strong windstorm or two will knock down a few more sticks throughout the year. 

But aside from this, dead branches should be a rare sight. When you look at your willow, you should see healthy, living branches.

How can you tell if a branch is healthy? In spring or summer, it will be full of green, healthy leaves. 

If it is not autumn or winter and your tree has dead (or absent) leaves, the branches are dead.

If pruning away the dead branches would leave you with little more than an empty trunk, this is a sign that your willow is dying and needs intervention.

The Willow Tree Has A Hollow Trunk

Wild animals may love to live in hollow trunks in the forest, but this is a massively dangerous situation in your yard.

Hollow willow tree trunks are already dead. The stem of the tree has stopped functioning correctly and is not bringing nutrients to the upper parts of the tree.

Decomposition has set in. The tree is empty on the inside because part of the trunk is missing, and the remaining parts are severely weakened. This is a recipe for a collapse.

A hollow tree is not as strong as one with a solid, living trunk. If your willow is hollow, call an arborist as soon as you can!

Hollow trunks can also make great hiding places for pests such as snakes. Read up on the 4 ways you can keep them away from your willow trees!

Large Limbs Aren’t Producing Leaves

Limbs are the main branches of a tree. In large trees, they are very heavy and support many other smaller branches.

If large limbs are losing leaves and drying up this could mean they’re ready to fall.

The limb falling could happen in a major storm, but it could also happen whenever the force of gravity is stronger than the decomposing wood keeping the limb attached to the tree.

At this point, you really don’t want anyone under the tree in these circumstances.

You can choose to prune that bad limb, but this means that a high percentage of the tree will be removed in the process.

When large limbs are reaching their end, it’s better to cut down the tree.

Your Willow Tree Is Lopsided

Maybe you or somebody else have already pruned major limbs on the tree. This may leave it looking lopsided and generally uneven.

While no law says a tree must be “pretty” to earn a spot in your yard, a lopsided tree is undesirable because it indicates that the tree may be structurally unsound.

If a tree is lopsided, it’s always wise to consult with a professional to know why exactly it is growing that way. If something is wrong, you should remove the tree.

There’s Fungus Or Other Issues With The Tree

Unfortunately, fungus can be deadly to willow trees. They can even be more harmful than other sources such as pollution or lack of water.

Watch for signs of fungus or affliction in your willow tree. Mushrooms and mold are very bad signs. Changes in the color, structure, or strength of the bark is another warning sign.

You can purchase Monterey Copper Fungicide for relatively inexpensive prices online and in gardening stores. To protect your tree, spray this at the first sign of fungus and consult a local arborist.

But maybe you didn’t spray it early enough in the fungus’ development. At some point, you just have to accept that your willow tree is too damaged and that it needs to go.

According to researchers at Harvard, the best thing to do with non-healthy trees is to remove them. This also prevents whatever ailment is causing their issues from spreading to other trees.

Your Willow Tree Is Leaning

The Leaning Tower of Pisa draws endless tourists, all visiting to see this wonder of the ancient world with their own eyes. 

If your tree is leaning badly enough that it’s drawing similar attention, that’s a major red flag.

A leaning tree is a sign that there is something wrong with the roots or the soil.

Perhaps, like the famous Leaning Tower, the soil in your yard is too spongy to support the weight of a large willow tree. 

More likely, the roots died and are unable to support the weight of the tree as they decompose.

Whatever the underlying cause might be, consult an arborist as soon as possible to address this issue.

One important thing to note is that sometimes people believe that their willow is leaning when it fact it is a weeping willow. Luckily, there are a few ways that you can distinguish between willows and weeping willows!

The Willow Tree Is Near Some Powerlines

Trees and power lines are not friends! When choosing where to plant a tree, find a spot as far away from overhead electrical lines as you can.

Sometimes, though, it wasn’t your choice. Maybe someone else planted the willow tree twenty years ago and did not think about the power lines. Or perhaps new developments in your area brought power lines in after the tree was already there.

The power company might prune it down for you if it is touching or hanging over the wires, but ultimately it is your responsibility to take care of the tree.

Trees cause issues with power lines in two ways. First, they can touch the wires and cause a fire or electrocution. Second, they can fall into the wires and cause a power outage.

Some people prune their trees by cutting off the top branches, giving it the appearance that a lawn mower came over the top and removed the extra upward growth. This is known as “topping”.

But besides looking ugly, topping a tree can be harmful to its overall lifespan and shorten it significantly.

If your willow tree is too close to a power line, the merciful thing to do might be to cut it down.

The Willow Is Too Close To The House And Other Buildings

Once again, sometimes lack of foresight can cause major issues down the road. 

If your willow is too close to a building, it can cause problems with the roof, plumbing, and foundation.

Willows grow faster than you might expect. They have a 30-year lifespan and can grow up to 10 feet taller every year (before eventually tapering off at a towering 50 feet).

The tree that gently shaded your front door when you planted it might eventually become a monstrosity that will drop roof-breaking limbs in a thunderstorm.

Like many other large trees, willow roots can also wreak havoc with your plumbing in their ever-present search for water.

Willow roots can grow into your underground pipes, causing blockages, plugs, or slow draining.

A plumber can clear this out with a special tool, but they will likely have to do it every year as your willow continues to grow. Not to mention that an annual drain snaking won’t prevent irreparable damage to your pipes.

On a side note, have you ever seen a piece of the sidewalk that has been pushed upward into an uneven edge due to a neighboring tree root? 

Imagine what similar roots can do to the foundation of your home. 

If you are interested, read up on some of the most common trees that damage foundations, and how they do so.

There’s no generally recommended “safe” minimum distance that you should plant a tree from your home – however you should aim for a minimum of 15ft away from where the nearest branch should be. I prefer farther away!

If your willow is causing (or even possibly causing) problems with your home, you need to heavily consider removing it.

Your Willow Interferes With Vehicle Traffic

To fully understand the effect your willow tree has on the surrounding neighborhood, you will need to drive or walk around your property as if you were an outsider.

If someone is in an intersection near your house, are they able to see oncoming traffic at any time of the day or night? Or is your willow blocking the view of everyone trying to safely make a left turn?

Does your willow cast a shadow on the ground near a stop sign, creating hidden black ice patches every winter? 

If a vehicle needed to pull onto the shoulder of the road, is there enough clearance that they could safely do so without hitting your tree?

If fire, police, or medical services had to respond to an emergency at your home, would they be able to see your house number? Or is your willow in the way?

In some areas, the Department of Transportation might decide for you and remove problem trees after informing you. But ultimately you are responsible for your property and the trees that grow on it. 

Don’t defer important decisions such as this to a government bureaucracy. 

The Willow Tree Is Interfering With The Growth Of Other Trees

Sometimes when we plant trees, we don’t consider future growth. Two small saplings might look cute right next to each other when you first plant them, but they will grow much larger even in just five years! 

If two trees are so close to one another that one interferes with the growth of the other, you need to make a choice. 

Which tree is healthier? Which is more aesthetically pleasing? Which one fits in better with the lifestyle of your family? 

These are some of the things you must consider when choosing which tree will stay.

An overcrowded plant will not grow well. Willow trees are no exception.

Why Do I Have To Cut Down My Willow Tree?

Unless your willow is interfering with public property, there aren’t any laws saying that your tree must come down. You might be wondering, “So why can’t I just let nature do its thing? Why can’t I just let my willow go in peace?”

Safety is the biggest motivator for taking down a tree.

Alone in a forest, your willow wouldn’t hurt anyone if it were to topple over or drop massive limbs. A tree in that setting is free to decompose and give back to the ecosystem in peace

On your property, a sick or damaged willow could badly injure someone. 

The Massachusetts Division of Fishery and Wildlife notes that human lives (and, by extension, the safety of our homes) will always be far more important than allowing nature to proceed without intervention.

You are responsible for keeping your property safe. Removing your willow tree when the time has come, thus preventing such accidents, is the right thing to do.

When To Cut Down Your Willow Tree (The Best Time)

If you choose to keep your tree, you will want to annually prune it. This ensures that your willow will remain healthy for years to come. 

The USDA Forest Service recommends pruning while the tree is dormant. But if you are cutting down the tree, dormancy, and growth patterns are irrelevant.

Unless you are a trained and certified arborist, leave tree removal to the professionals.

If you can wait, you should get the tree cut in the fall or early winter before bad weather sets in as this is the lesser busy time for arborists and it could lead to a reduced rate for you. If the tree presents an immediate issue, call someone ASAP!

Cutting down trees is tough work. Fully grown willow trees can easily weigh several tons. So again, leave it to the pros.

What To Do If You’re Feeling Sentimental About Your Willow

It might feel uncomfortable to cut down (or have someone else cut down) a tree. After all, didn’t we learn in school that trees help the environment and that we should grow as many of them as possible?

Rest easy knowing that it is far more ethical to protect yourself than your tree.

It can still be emotional to make the decision to hire an arborist, though, especially if your willow tree brings back sentimental memories.

Here are several ways you can make it easier to let your willow tree go.

Often, tree removal companies will give you the option to keep some of the wood from your tree. Willow wood is great for carving. You can carve a sculpture or create furniture out of your old tree!

Wicker is a material made from the thin, flexible branches of a weeping willow tree. If you’re feeling particularly crafty, you can dry the branches and create baskets and other crafts out of the wicker.

At a minimum, remember that it’s okay to grieve a loss, even if it’s a tree. 

Willow trees in particular have an almost magic component to them. The discovery of aspirin (medically known as acetylsalicylic acid) is said to have been inspired by the pain relieving properties of salicin, a chemical found in willow tree bark. What’s not to like about that?

If you find yourself missing your willow tree, you can always plant a new one! Willows are super easy to propagate with cuttings. 

References

Chalker-Scott, L. (2003). The Myth of Tree Topping. Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association B&B Newsletter. 

Mahdi, J. G. (2010). Medicinal potential of willow: A chemical perspective of aspirin discovery. Journal of Saudi Chemical Society, 14(3), 317–322.

Schizophyllum commune – the main cause of dying trees of the Banja Luka.

Snakes are a normal part of our ecosystem. If you have trees on your property, you are more than likely to see them now and then. Not everyone wants snakes slipping and sliding through their yard though.

Willow trees are an ideal shelter for snakes due to the cover they offer and proximity to a water source. You can prevent snakes near your willow tree denying their food source, removing areas of cover near the tree, and by housing guinea hens near your willow tree, which are predators of snakes.

Luckily, keeping snakes away from willow trees can be an easy process. Keep reading on below to learn about why keeping snakes away from your willow tree is a good idea and how to do it!

Why You Should Keep Snakes Away From Your Willow

Most snakes are harmless and scared of humans, but that does not mean you want them on your land. Many can coexist with snakes, but there are reasons you just can’t!

In general, you should keep snakes away from your willow tree if you:

• Are afraid of snakes
• Have venomous snakes
• Have livestock such as chickens
• Aren’t able to utilize your willow tree

For the first one, if you’re just plain ol’ afraid of snakes, then keep them away from your willow tree! Simple as that.

Venomous snakes are important to the ecosystem, but you should be wary of keeping them close to your home. If you find a snake near you, ALWAYS do some preliminary research based off the look of the snake to reasonably deduct what species it may be. Overall of course, this is a good reason to deter snakes. 

If you notice a venomous or suspicious snake, contact a professional for identification and removal.

If you keep livestock, having snakes around can be detrimental to your animals. Snakes eat eggs, chicks, and even full-grown birds.

Lastly, having snakes around your willow tree can make it difficult to enjoy your tree. Many love sitting under the tree and enjoying the shade and beauty it provides. Naturally, being afraid of snakes in the area can make it impossible to enjoy your landscape.

Signs That Snakes Are In Your Yard & Near Your Willow

There are a few easy ways to tell if you have snakes. One obvious way to know is if you find snake sheds. According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, snakes shed their skins between 4 and 12 times a year.

You can tell the size of a snake by the length of the shed. This can help you determine the type of snake you may have. 

Additionally, you may see snake droppings or even tracks in the sand or dirt. 

The droppings look a lot like bird droppings and can vary in size. The tracks in sand are lines. Snakes use their scales and muscles to help move. 

Holes can also be a sign of snakes as well as a sign of mice or rats. These are food for snakes, so you may have a rodent problem as well. 

If you’re suspecting you may have a venomous snake in your yard, check out this article by the CDC which lists the common types of venomous snakes in the US.

How To Keep Snakes Away From Your Willow Tree

The first step to figuring out why snakes are near your willow tree is to find out what they are eating. This could be rats, toads, or even insects, depending on the species of snake. It is important to figure out their food source to eliminate them.

Most snakes will not come to your home without a reason. If you find that you have a rodent problem, immediately deal with the infestation to help deter snakes from staying.

You can do this with humane traps, or by eliminating the food sources which the rodents are after. So do not leave pet food or any other types of food in areas they can get to. 

Remove any potential hiding spots for the snakes. This includes clutter, excessive branches, and piles of leaves. If snakes have a place to hide, they are more likely to stay around your willow tree.

Snake-proof your home and yard by patching up any holes and adding snake-proof fencing. If you have animals such as chickens, snake-proof their pens so the snakes cannot get in for an easy meal.

Snakes will often eat chicken eggs or chicks if given the opportunity and some larger snakes can eat adult chickens.

If you have these livestock near your willow tree, moving them to another area of your property will help to keep snakes away.

If you believe you have a problem snake, contact a local pest control specialist in your area to help remove the snake. Alternatively, you could also buy a snake trap with the help of a professional.

Avoid using glue boards as you can accidentally harm other animals instead of the ones you are targeting.

Using Scents To Repel Snakes From Willow Trees

Some strong scents can keep snakes away. Scents such as clove, cinnamon, and eugenol work wonders at deterring snakes from making your willow tree their home. 

Clove oil is a potent smell and can be useful in many pest applications. APHIS has noted that the use of these oils can help deter snakes. You can use these scents directly on the snakes and their environment as well. 

APHIS suggests two ways to use these oils: as an aerosol spray or as a fumigant. They make note of the Environmental Protection Agency determining that it is under an exemption from the EPA, meaning it is not regulated for use as a repellent. 

APHIS gives an aerosol spray recipe. They say to use one percent of the oil, one percent sodium lauryl sulfate, and ninety-eight percent water. This spray is to be used directly on the snakes and will not work on surfaces to prevent snakes.

While you may not be fond of spraying these directly on a snake near your willow tree, you can look into a repellent like Bonide’s Stopper 8751 Snake Repellent, which contains both cinnamon and clove oil, to spray near your willow tree.

While there isn’t scientific evidence backing the product, there are countless anecdotal reviews stating it’s effectiveness.

Using Plants To Keep Snakes Away From Your Willow Tree

While many of the plants that make claims to repel snakes are ineffective, other plants, such as roses, cacti, and other thorny plants, may work. Snakes cannot crawl through these plants, so growing them in landscaped areas around where snakes might live would work. 

Plants such as mint help deter mice and rats. Deterring mice or rats can help eliminate the snakes around your yard. As we have discussed before, rats and mice can attract snakes to your property. 

Planting plants that will deter the food sources of snakes is important to help keep away the snakes that prey upon them.

Guinea Hens: The Ultimate Snake Control For Your Willow Tree

Consider purchasing Guineas to help with your snake problem. Guineas are a type of fowl known for their ruthless behavior. They will hunt a snake down and quickly dispose of it!

Guineas are an excellent resource for repelling snakes. These birds are fast and loud and often chase snakes. They are often known as watchdogs since they alert to any trespassers. Be careful, as they can be aggressive, roam miles, and can be very annoying. 

The downside of guineas is how loud they are. So if you have neighbors, this might not be the solution for you. 

They are easy to care for and often take care of themselves. Provide water, shelter, and some food and you should have a wonderful edition to your property and willow tree.

Even better, guinea hens eat ticks as well and can keep your property tick and snake-free!

Natural Methods To Deter Snakes From Your Willow

Some natural remedies to get rid of snakes are smells that would deter them, natural predators, and making the area unpleasant for the snake. 

Using powerful scents like cedar can help deter snakes from living around you. Another way is by making the area unpleasant. Change up your landscape, throw smoke bombs in their holes, and be active in your yard.

Cedar is also bad for their respiratory system and the respiratory system of most animals, so be mindful of your own animals. However, it could potentially keep snakes away from your willow (along with other animals in the process.)

Will Mothballs Repel Snakes?

A common myth is that mothballs will keep snakes away. This is untrue and bad for the environment. Mothballs can be harmful to living creatures as well. If an animal consumes them, they may die. 

The smell does not deter snakes, and it is also illegal to use mothballs in this way, as it’s intended purpose is for moths. So, use mothballs for their intended use only to prevent any damage.

Properly use mothballs in airtight containers inside places moths go like closets. 

Reasons Snakes Are Good For Your Willow Tree

Snakes are an important part of the ecosystem and without them, there is an imbalance in the food chain. Snakes eat pests such as mice and rats, and without them, these pests will overpopulate. 

Mice and rats can carry and transmit diseases to humans. Snakes eating them helps prevent the transfer of zoonotic diseases to people. This is essential to help maintain public health. 

If a snake is making the area under your willow tree its home, ask yourself why. If you have a willow tree planted along the water, the snake could be looking for fish to eat or water to drink.

Non-venomous snakes are important to keep around since they eat many pests like mice and rats and become food for other animals like large birds of prey. Snakes help with biodiversity and are sadly in decline with many endangered species. This is due to their habitat decline and other critical environmental issues.

Biodiversity is important for a healthy ecosystem. When the balance gets thrown off, it can cause major issues. Burmese Pythons in the Everglades in Florida, for example, always have to be removed from non-native environments.

These snakes took over and eat almost everything in their wake. This has caused an imbalance in the Everglades. If snakes are permanently removed from their native environments, this can cause a similar issue to the Everglades. 

Some harmless species of snakes include:

• Rat Snake
• Garter Snake
• Hognose Snakes

As the name suggests, rat snakes eat rats. They get to be around four to six feet long and are not venomous. Additionally, they are native to North America and make their homes in forests and grass.

Garter snakes eat a vast diet of anything they can get their jaws on. This includes pests like leeches, rats, and spiders. They are not venomous and get to be around three feet long. 

Hognose snakes love to eat toads. They are not venomous and play dead when threatened. They live in sandy areas and stay fairly small. 

Overall, most garden snakes are harmless to just let live. There are, however, reasons to deter them.

That’s All For Now!

Snakes can be a scary visitor to your yard, and naturally, unpleasant to see.

Many claims are floating around on various natural remedies and easy remedies to repel snakes. Mothballs are a commonly mentioned remedy, however, this is not only wrong but usually illegal to use.

Preventing snakes is the best way to repel them. Snake proof your yard and keep organized and picked up. If the snakes have nowhere to live, they are less likely to stay. Clean up anywhere snakes can hide.

Consider learning to live with non-venomous snakes. These are important members of the ecosystem, and allowing them a place to live can benefit you.

Overall, snakes are pretty easy to keep away from your willow tree if you follow these simple tips!

References 

“APHIS Wildlife Services Snake Repellent.” USDA, 2003, www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife_damage/nwrc/publications/Tech_Notes/TN_SnakeRepellents.pdf.

“Snakes in and around the House.” Npic.orst.edu, 2020, npic.orst.edu/pest/snake.html. Accessed 15 Nov. 2021.

“USDA APHIS | Vertebrate Control Products.” Usda.gov, 2013, www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/wildlifedamage/programs/nwrc/product-registration-unit/CT_Control_products#:~:text=%20Vertebrate%20Control%20Products%20%201%20REPRODUCTIVE%20CONTROL.. Accessed 15 Nov. 2021.

The gorgeous, delicate structure of willows may take you back to simpler times. All willows have a timeless quality about them. Willows grow in most places and tolerate numerous zones; you may even have one in your neighborhood and not know it!

All weeping willows are willows, but not all willows are weeping. The weeping willow has a delicate weeping growth pattern and is the classic shape you think of when you think of a willow tree. However, not all willows look the same, but they all are mighty beautiful!

Willow trees are native to Asia but are widely found throughout North America. We’ve got a list of differences between these classic trees. We’ll cover all types of willows, including the weeping willow, so keep reading!

History Of Willow Trees 

If you’ve ever seen a willow tree in real life or in a movie, you probably think of them near water. Maybe on the banks of rivers, near streams, or on the outskirts of ponds or lakes. Willow trees do incredibly well in wet soils, which makes it easy to understand why we see them near water.

The weeping willow, Salix babylonica, was given the Latin name babylonica after scientist Carl Linnaeus believed this tree to be the willow of Babylon. 

What he failed to recognize was that this willow had most likely been brought from China and spread into Asia and Europe. He believed this tree to be the tree in the Bible that grew along the Euphrates River in Babylon; however, it was believed that tree was probably a different species.

There are over 400 willow tree species in their genus, Salix, including both willow trees and shrubs. Willow species are water-loving plants and do remarkably well in wet and boggy soil conditions.

They are native to the Northern Hemisphere, where conditions are temperate and relatively cool, but it should be noted that willows should be planted in Zones 4-10.

The willow tree symbolizes many different things to traditions and peoples. For some, the willow tree is representative of perpetual nourishment due to its nature of always being near a body of water.

The willow tree is also representative of balance, strength, stability, and hope.

Differences Between A Willow Tree And A Weeping Willow Tree

All weeping willows are willows, but not all willows are weeping. If you want to know what I mean by that, keep on reading! We’ve got lots of interesting information on willow trees that will answer all of your willow tree questions!

Weeping willows are part of the genus Salix. Meaning that it is a willow tree; it just happens to be a well-known species with incredible characteristics. Notably, its weeping form!

To recap, here are some differences and similarities between willow trees and weeping willow trees:

• There are over 400 species of willow trees in the Salix genus.
• Weeping willows are a subspecies of willow trees, Salix babylonica.
• There are weeping, vertical, upright, and shrub growth willows, all of which look according to their name.
• Both willow trees and weeping willows grow 30-60 feet tall.
• Willow trees generally have a spread of 30-40 feet.
• All willow tree species love wet, boggy soil and are typically found near water bodies along banks.
• Willow trees do not like dry soils and will not do well if grown in them.
• Willow trees have an intense interlacing grid of roots, allowing them to maintain their grip in wet soils, helping to prevent erosion.
• A weeping willows root system is extremely shallow and can easily spread as wide as tall as the willow tree height.
• Most willows tolerate most soils, black walnut trees, and deer.
• All willow trees have very fragile wood and can easily break and split.
• Willows grow in all soil types, acidic, alkaline, loamy, sandy, and clayey.
• They are water-intensive and grow best in full sun.
• Most willows have fuzzy, adorable catkins.
• Weeping willows can still grow in light shade, while most willow trees need full sunlight.

Willow species love wet, boggy soil and have lanced-shaped leaves, which have the shape of a spearhead and have fragile wood. Additionally, willows have an intense interlacing grid of roots, allowing them to maintain their grip in wet soils.

The difference between the willow tree and a weeping willow is that they grow in all soil types, acidic, alkaline, loamy, sandy, and clayey. Depending on the type of willow, that will determine the type of soil it can grow in best.

Weeping willows also require a large amount of space since they grow anywhere from 30-60 feet tall. They also have an insane-sized root system that extends out at least 30 feet, interlocking, and interweaving, creating a dense mass of shallow roots.

However, it should be noted that all root systems of willow trees are invasive, shallow, and spread. 

All willows are also extremely water-intensive, so if you have a willow or plan on growing one, it is advised to plant one near a water source or near an area with irrigation.

7 Common Willow Tree Species And Where They Grow

Now that we know a bit about the main difference between willow trees and

Corkscrew/Dragon’s Claw Willow, Salix matsudana’ Tortuosa’

The corkscrew willow is an incredible-looking tree with twisted branching with a gnarled and beautiful form. The corkscrew willow offers year-round interest with its unbelievable twisting shape of branches.

As if this tree wasn’t already cool enough, the foliage on the corkscrew willow is curled. And it has a broad and rounded crown that falls downward. This tree grows 20-30 feet tall and equally as wide.

This species is native to China and Korea and generally grows in Zone 4. This willow has such incredible characteristics that it typically sells out at garden stores each year! The branches of this tree are harvested and used in the floral industry for added interest in floral arrangements.

Dappled Or Nishiki Willow, Salix integra ‘Hakuro-nishiki’

The dappled or Nishiki willow is grown as either a shrub or tree. It has beautiful variegated pink, white and green leaves, turning white as winter approaches. 

The Nishiki willow grows in Zones 5-7 but is native to Russia, Japan, Korea, and northern China. It also tolerates full sun to part shade, erosion, wet soil, and even black walnut trees!

The stems and branches of the dappled willow turn a reddish coral color in winter, and throughout spring and summer, has vibrant and striking variegated foliage.

Pussy Willow, Salix discolor

The pussy willow is native to North America and grows best in Zones 4-8. It is tolerant of deer, erosion, wet soil, and black walnuts as well.

Although it prefers full sun, it also thrives in part shade. Additionally, pussy willow grows in a variety of soils, including some drier soils, but it is not tolerant of dry soils. It is generally seen growing along swamps, lakes, and streams. They produce fuzzy catkins that resemble a cat’s paw.

Because of the pussy willow’s unique standout catkins, it is used frequently in the floral industry. It can also be grown in the form of a shrub or tree and can be used as a privacy or screening shrub. They will give you something to look at no matter what season and provide you with a calming scene.

Weeping Willow, Salix babylonica

The weeping willows are an incredibly delicate weeping tree that is native to northern China. It grows best in Zones 6-8 and thrives in wet soil. It grows from 30-60 feet tall and wide. The weeping willow can also grow 8-10 feet per year!

Like the other willows we mentioned, the weeping willow is also deer and black walnut tolerant. It is seen growing along the banks of water bodies and does not do well in dry soil. However, like most of the willows, their wood is very fragile and can break easily in storms, generally in their crutches.

If you want your landscape to look like a painting, the weeping willow will do this! It moves with the wind and brings a romantic and timeless feel to wherever it grows.

Downy Willow, Salix lapponum

This willow is native to Northern Europe and Asia, lapponum means, of Lapland, which is northern Scandinavia. It naturally grows in alpine regions, like Scandinavia, within the Arctic circle. 

The downy willow grows best in sandy and rocky soils, in Zones 3-7. It is deer tolerant and can grow near black walnut trees. Furthermore, it can tolerate most well-draining soils, including poor soil conditions. It grows 3-5 feet high and wide and possesses silver catkins in spring.

White Willow, Salix alba

White willows are native to Europe, Asia, and the northern parts of Africa. It did not arrive in the United States until the early 1700s, and since then, it has spread throughout. 

White willow is a fast-growing species, which grows a remarkable 50-80 feet tall! Due to its weak wood, it is not usually used as a landscape tree in residential areas and is not really sold anymore.

The white willow tolerates erosion, clayey soil, black walnuts, and deer. It grows easily in Zones 2-8. Similar to other willows, it needs moist to wet soil, and although it prefers full sun, it tolerates part shade.

Wisconsin Weeping Willow, Salix x pendulina

The Wisconsin weeping willow is a hybrid willow that is crossed with Salix babylonica, the weeping willow, and Salix fragilis, the crack willow, or Salix euxina, the eastern crack willow. 

Most weeping willows found in the United States are commonly this species, rather than strictly Salix babylonica. It grows in Zone 4 and grows 30-50 feet tall and wide. It has fuzzy but non-remarkable catkins in the spring.

Although not all willows are practical for residential use, most can be, especially the bush form willows, such as the Nishiki willow, the downy willow, the pussy willow, the dragon’s claw willow, and the Wisconsin weeping willow!

Where Do Weeping Willow Trees Grow Best?

Willow trees grow in the majority of Zones. As we mentioned, weeping willows grow best in Zones 6-8, while other willow species can grow well in Zones 4-10. We’ll cover some Salix species so you can decide which one is best for you!

What Is Special About Willow Trees?

Willow trees are recognized as many different things to traditions and peoples. The willow tree is found in the Bible, in Native American cultures, and is significant in other cultures and in other religions.

The willow tree symbolizes perpetual nourishment to some. Willow trees are water-obsessed, and there is no such thing as too much water for them. Because they are commonly found near bodies of water, they provide a sense of everlasting sustenance.

Moreover, the willow tree can also be representative of balance, strength, stability, wisdom, and hope.

That’s a Wrap!

That’s all we have on the differences between weeping willows and willow trees. Most willows tolerate similar conditions, such as soil, water requirements, and sun requirements.

Moreover, they tolerate a wide range of climates that range from the southern United States to the Arctic circle of Scandinavia.

Willow trees are a beautiful addition to your landscape and can be found worldwide. The weeping willow has a delicate and intricate falling growth pattern and provides a sense of classic timelessness. The willow tree, for some cultures, provides a sense of everlasting sustenance, but for others, it is representative of balance, strength, stability, wisdom, and hope. 

References:

Mleczek, Mirosław, et al. “Biomass productivity and phytoremediation potential of Salix alba and Salix viminalis.” Biomass and bioenergy 34.9 (2010): 1410-1418.

Palo, R. Thomas. “Distribution of birch (Betula spp.), willow (Salix spp.), and poplar (Populus spp.) secondary metabolites and their potential role as chemical defense against herbivores.” Journal of chemical ecology 10.3 (1984): 499-520.

Rosso, Laura, et al. “Selection and testing of Populus alba and Salix spp. as bioenergy feedstock: preliminary results.” Applied energy 102 (2013): 87-92.

Smart, Lawrence B., and Kimberly D. Cameron. “Genetic improvement of willow (Salix spp.) as a dedicated bioenergy crop.” Genetic improvement of bioenergy crops. Springer, New York, NY, 2008. 377-396.

Yu, Xiao-Zhang, and Ji-Dong Gu. “Differences in uptake and translocation of selenate and selenite by the weeping willow and hybrid willow.” Environmental Science and Pollution Research 15.6 (2008): 499-508.