If your pot is sitting on the ground, by this fall it should be impossible to move as the roots go through the drain holes into the soil. Al

You might be interested in a 6-page article in current Garden Ideas magazine (spring 08). All about using shrubs and small trees in containers. How to train, soils to use, what annuals and perennials work well with shrubs/trees in containers, etc. How to choose containers to match shrub/tree shapes. Doesn't cover your willow specifically but lots of good general info.

thanks everyone. I got the tree and the pot and the dirt ready, i'm just a bit nervous about putting it in. The pot doesn't have drain holes. Would it be a really bad idea to leave it that way and just water it once a week in the summer? Instead of every day or so like I usually would.

Yes - a very bad idea. Even though most willows will grow in standing water, they'll fare poorly in stagnant water. You really need a drain hole & a soil that won't turn to muck. Top soil or garden soil is inappropriate, btw.

Al

The soil I bought is miracle grow potting soil. What do you think of that. Or is that what you just warned me of? Thanks

You should be ok if you're careful not to over-water. Moist is good - saturated is not.

Al

You need drain holes so that you can see the willow roots growing out
the bottom and know it's time to root-prune or re-pot! ;)

I have a few willows in containers and they are vigorous!

Josh

I have a stand of corkscrew willow that I grow in the soil in my yard---far away from the sewer & water thank you. I cut them back hard every spring (to 4 to 6 feet) and so have kept them as vigorous bushes for years.

I don't do a crew cut but rather harvest the stems for interior decoration. That way the plant never gets large as each branch is harvested after 1-3 years. But also it is never naked. (Important for a container plant.)

BTW while willows are thought of as water loving, I grow these in a very dry somewhat shady area under a ornamental cherry, which also probably contributes to the slower growth. In sum, treat your tree poorly and it may stay within bounds.