Really, really skinny willow

19 years ago

Hi! Yet another question for the experts. We bought two weeping willow tree cuttings from a nursery when we lived up in NC, planning on planting them when we move to our house here in FL. For now, they are in very large planters. The trees themselves, though, are growing so oddly, and I don't know what the problem is. The bigger one is about 20 feet tall (long?) right now, but is only about 1/4 inch in diameter at its base. The entire plant is weeping! It can't stand upright without being tied to a tall stake, and it's gotten so tall now that the very thin trunk is starting to bend in half, because it's far too thin for its height.

I gave the third one to my father, to plant beside his pond in VA, and he said that it's doing the same thing, just kind of lying along the ground growing like a groundcover, not a tree. I thought at first that it was because mine are potted, but that can't be it, because his is planted in the ground!

Any ideas for my poor willows?

Thank you,

Heather W

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Comments (6)

goldenpond
19 years ago
I have two near my ponds and they sound exactly the same as yours. They are a soft wood so you won't get that big sturdy trunk for awhile.The theory is that if you stake a tree it won't get as strong. Still there are exceptions to every rule and if you do stake give him plenty of space to SWAY in the wind!
Mine are already leaning towards the ponds and my dream is to see them weep over the banks and water so we can ride our little grandkids in the small boat beneath it.
Give him time I remember my mom planting one so small we kids could jump over it.For only one season!Soon it was a wondrous spot to play under.It is a 40 year old giant now!
hmp2z
Original Author
19 years ago
Oh, so this is natural! The tree is so long, and so skinny that it looks more like a vine than a tree; I just didn't know that was okay! Maybe when we get to our house (hopefully in a month or so), I will cut the willow back, and plant it, unstaked, in the yard and then hope for the best.

Thank you!
Heather W

Here is a link that might be useful: Our ICF Home Construction Journal
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Nicole Vargo
7 years ago
Did your willow trunk ever grow thicker? I’m having the same problem now.
dirtygardener
7 years ago
Willows take seemingly forever to do what you want them to do. I was told to plant them at a 30 degree angle pointing AWAY from the water, and they'll straighten themselves up trying to lean toward the water. It worked. Staking works, but the tree needs to move or it will never form a decent trunk. That being said, they usually don't form a very big trunk for several years. Mine was 5 years old before it had any kind of decent trunk, and even at planting it at a 30 degree angle away from the water, it was slightly leaning the other way by then. Nature is strange sometimes.
Barbara Hayes
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Too strange... I have the same issue... a curly willow grafted... the trunk is really skinny and it is very top heavy with branches. I’ve had it staked, but want to remove the stakes so it becomes strong, but I’m afraid the trunk will snap in a high wind. The trunk swings wildly unless it’s staked and is leaning backwards no matter how I try and pull it forward by staking it. So, for now, I’m just adding a stake and supporting it somewhat hoping it will get stronger... I’ve had it about 5 years now... From the sound of it, per comments above, this could be fairly common for this tree.
E Ben Avid
5 years ago
I have the same problem with my 2 year old willow . its tall and skinny. i have staked it.. i am considering trim it so it wouldnt be so heavy and hopefully straighten up. any advise would be appreciated.