Willow Hybrid Tree Planting Instructions

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Planting Instructions

Your planting site should be made of loose, quality soil. Dig your two times the width and depth of the root system of the plant your are working with. This will give the roots plenty of room. When refilling the hole with soil, be sure to completely cover your roots with soil so that there are no air pockets underground. If pockets of air come in contact with your roots, they will dry out quickly. Cover the roots completely with soil but leave the stem above ground.

Be sure to read the following for further growth and amazing beauty.

Ensuring that your Tree is Alive - If you doubt that your Willow Hybrid sapling or root cutting is alive, perform the scratch test. Scratch off a small piece of your tree’s bark, approximately one inch above where the root system meets the stem. If the plant tissue underneath is white or green, it is alive; if it is brown or black, it is dead.

Seasonal Information - Be sure to plant your Willow Hybrid tree at least 6 weeks before your first frost. This will give the tree a chance to adjust to its new environment. If you are experiencing extreme heat, place your potted tree in a well-shaded area, such as a garage, or plant it in a well-shaded area in your lawn. Once older, your tree will be able to handle these temperatures. Typically trees do not experience much growth during times of extreme temperatures.

Watering – During the first year, make sure your tree gets water during extended dry spells, particularly in the summer months. Drooping leaves are a sign of both over or under watering, so take great care of your tree.

Fertilizer –Fertilize conservatively. Organic fertilizer high in nitrogen works well. You can use Miracle Grow, a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing the tree directly. Instead, fertilize the tree’s soil.

Weed Control – Keep weeds and grass two to three feet away from Willow Hybrids in the first year. Pull the weeds initially, and then you can use a growing mat or mulch. Do not spray roundup on a young tree and be careful that wind does not blow chemical drift on the tree.

Deer – If you think deer may be a problem, sprinkle some “Deer Away” on the top of the tree until it grows beyond its reach.

Insects and Disease - The best defense is a healthy tree. Willow Hybrid Trees are very hardy. Good soil, proper feeding and keeping the tree from getting too much water are key to its prosperity.

If worms bite holes in the leaves you can sprinkle seven dust on them. These little bites do not affect the tree since it is growing at such a fast rate and putting on so many new leaves.

Pets – Willow Hybrid Trees are not poisonous.

Winter Dormancy - During late fall and winter, your Willow Hybrid Trees will go dormant. The leaves will fall off and the stem will turn brown. Nothing will be happening above ground, but the roots will continue to grow below, especially during nice days. This winter root growth will help accelerate growth when spring comes.

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