Willow tree question,

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Feb 8, 2004 | 09:53 AM

Greg 79 f150

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From: Kentucky

Willow tree question,

As a kid I used to play under the big old willows down by the creek, and I luv'em. I have a spot by the drive that will be big enough only for a small tree ( 8ft wide by 12 ft tall max) to be planted in. Do they have a mini willow tree that would fit in this small space?

Feb 8, 2004 | 11:55 AM

BuiltToughF250

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From: inver grove heights MN

willow is an "undesireable" tree. basically a weed. the roots are pretty bad, i wouldnt put it too close to the driveway or they will pull it up. they are MESSY trees... i dont think youll find anyone selling 10 foot tall willows, cause theres no real demand for them. ( not in Minnesota it seems ) if you planted that right now in 25 years youll have a 50-60 foot tree with a base about 30-40 inches wide. personally, id just suggest against a willow. not to rain on your parade here but you might appreciate something different, ash trees and maples can be pretty good trees, usually very healthy, a little bit messy, ashes can look great if you keep them properly trimmed. Lindens are a really good looking tree in my opinion, but they are kind of expensive. i like oaks too but they grow pretty slow.

but, good luck on whatever you decide i just wanted to put in my opinion

Feb 8, 2004 | 11:57 AM

Ultramagdan

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From: Kansas

That's not much room. I think you would be looking for an exotic that would have a similiar profile of a willow without it getting too tall.

Feb 8, 2004 | 12:10 PM

sinjin

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From: Los Angeles safe and warm

Plant the tree in a buried drum or trash can. Sort of a modified bonsai approach.

Feb 8, 2004 | 01:15 PM

Beast12

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From: Sarnia, Ontario, CANADA!

Actually....you can get a small type of willow tree. It is called a corkscrew willow. They don't get very big if you keep them trimmed and maintained. They are a nice tree that have a funky kind of shape to them. They won't exactly get you what you want with the big ones but are a little more managable.

-Matt

P.S. You don't really have a lot of room to work with. My dad planted a willow tree BRANCH in the ground just over a year ago. The branch was an inch and a half across and 4 feet high. Now it is 5-6 inches across and about 12 feet high. That is crazy growth!

EDIT: Try this link. At the bottom is a picture of a corkscrew willow. http://www.cdr3.com/growers/gr00002.htm

Last edited by Beast12; Feb 8, 2004 at 01:22 PM.

Feb 8, 2004 | 02:14 PM

pchristman

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From: KCMO

Quote:

Originally posted by Beast12
You don't really have a lot of room to work with. My dad planted a willow tree BRANCH in the ground just over a year ago. The branch was an inch and a half across and 4 feet high. Now it is 5-6 inches across and about 12 feet high. That is crazy growth!

Something I picked up from Organic Gardening magazine many, many years ago - cut a few willow branches, strip the leaves, and cut them into pieces about 5" or 6" long. Pack them into a mason jar and cover with water for a day or two, and then use that water to water cuttings you are trying to start from other plants. Stand back when you do it - that stuff will grow roots on a rake handle.