The Complete Guide to Caring for Your Braided Willow Tree

With their graceful woven stems and lush green crowns braided willow trees make a stunning addition to any outdoor space. Though hardy by nature they do require some specialized care to thrive. Follow this comprehensive guide to learn how to properly look after your braided willow tree in every season.

Planting Your Braided Willow

Upon receiving your braided willow plant it as soon as possible. Keep it moist and cool until planting. If unable to plant right away, place the base in water and keep it sheltered. Avoid letting the braided willow dry out before planting.

Select a site with full sun to partial shade. Braided willows can tolerate most soil types, as long as the drainage is decent. Amend dense clay soils with organic matter to improve drainage before planting.

Dig a hole the depth of the root ball and at least twice as wide. Carefully place the braided willow in the hole, keeping it upright Backfill the hole with soil, firming it gently around the base Ensure the upper woven portion remains above the soil line.

Water deeply after planting. Add 2-3 inches of mulch around the base to retain moisture. Avoid mulching up the stems.

Watering Your Braided Willow

Braided willows have high water needs, especially when young. Water the tree thoroughly every day for the first few weeks after planting. Soak the entire root zone.

After establishment, water braided willow trees whenever the top few inches of soil become dry. Drought stresses the tree, causing leaf scorch and shedding.

In hot weather, braided willows demand constant moisture. Sit containers in saucers to keep their soil wet. For in-ground trees, use soaker hoses or deep weekly waterings to maintain consistently damp soil.

During the winter, water in-ground braided willows whenever the ground thaws. Container plants may need occasional water even in winter if soil dries out.

Fertilizing Your Braided Willow

Braided willow trees don’t require much fertilizer once established. However, newly planted trees benefit from a balanced organic fertilizer or compost worked into the soil at planting time.

In subsequent years, apply a slow-release granular fertilizer around the base in early spring. This encourages lush green growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excess nitrogen can make braided willows more vulnerable to pests and diseases.

Pruning Your Braided Willow

Pruning is crucial for maintaining your braided willow’s desired size and form. Allow the upper branches to fill out the crown. Rub off any buds that emerge on the lower braided stems to maintain their woven pattern.

In spring, prune back overly long branches by at least half their length to encourage bushy regrowth. For formal hedge effects, prune more often.

Remove dead or damaged branches anytime. After the first year, conduct renewal pruning in early spring, cutting all branches back to 2-3 buds to rejuvenate growth.

Pest and Disease Control

Braided willows have moderate pest and disease resistance. Ensure trees receive sufficient water and avoid over-fertilization, as this causes susceptibility. Common potential problems include:

• Aphids – Treat with insecticidal soap spray. Avoidexcess nitrogen fertilization.

• Leaf spot – Improve air circulation. Disinfect tools between cuts.

• Caterpillars – Remove by hand or use Bacillus thuringiensis.

• Borer insects – Keep trees vigorous through proper care. Destroy severely infested stems.

Overwintering Braided Willow Trees

Braided willows are cold hardy when dormant. However, the first winter after planting requires protection.

For container plants, remove the braided willow from the pot and plant it in the ground before winter. Container culture does not provide adequate insulation for the roots.

Add extra mulch around the base of newly planted in-ground braided willows before winter arrives. Aim for 4-6 inches of mulch over the root zone.

Troubleshooting Common Braided Willow Problems

If your braided willow tree exhibits any of these issues, here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Leaves wilt or scorch: Tree is too dry. Water more frequently.

• Few leaves, thin canopy: Allow more buds to fill out the crown. Ensure adequate water and fertilizer.

• Dieback in branches: Prune damaged stems back to healthy wood. Improve drainage if soil stays soggy.

• Leaf spots or curling: Treat disease problems promptly. Increase air circulation around tree.

• Webs, chewing damage: Indications of pest infestation. Inspect and treat accordingly.

• Branch breakage: Stake large trees before high winds arise to prevent damage.

With proper planting, pruning, and care, your stunning braided willow tree will flourish for years of enjoyment. Follow these best practices for braided willow care through every season.